Something’s out there. Lurking around the shadow-laden Oaxacan fields is a sensational spirit that showcases the earthy taste of agave with a devilishly roasted, smoky edge, and it’s ready to pounce during your upcoming month of thrilling, chilling cocktail glass–filling.

Mezcal’s greatest asset, besides its irresistible flavor, is how seamlessly it’s woven into the cultural fabric of Mexico and the land itself. The agave plants (while tequila uses just one variety, mezcal is made from dozens) are plucked from the earth before their trimmed hearts are soon returned right back to it for a days’-long cook in a pit oven. This leads to a gloriously potent taste of terroir with the additional sizzling, sweet citrus notes of charred, crushed, and fermented agave to boot!

Sure, there’s nothing particularly spooky about such a dependable and delicious spirit—but October nights certainly have a way of inspiring the eerie, and we think that mezcal’s looming savory undercurrent makes it an ideal choice to dabble in the dance between black magic and the light and bright. So down to the crypt we go, where pleasing potions from three of our favorite bewitching bartenders are bubbling over and bound for bottling. Who needs candy when round after round of tasty cocktails are right at the ready for your series of festive fright nights?

Sign up today (if you dare!) and a delivery of wicked mezcal goodness will arrive at your door. No tricks, just tasty, spirited treats!

You may think of Sother Teague as the wizard of all things bitter (or maybe the diviner of dragons), but did you know one of his most recent ventures was curating an all-agave drinks program in NYC? Listen closely to his mesmerizing chant of Zingiberaceae, taste the quenching colada in which floral turmeric anchors vibrant coconut and pineapple with daring depth, and soon your eyelids will be getting very, very . . . buoyant! This Halloween, garnish yourself in garish prints and take your mezcal to Maui with Sother’s sublime Spellbinder in two possible ways—shaken or blended!

In 2021, Sother opened Etérea, an agave bar that features only mezcals and tequilas vetted for sustainable practices and supportive agricultural and community impacts. He’s also the beverage director at New York’s Amor y Amargo and host of The Speakeasy on Heritage Radio Network. In 2018, he was honored with Wine Enthusiast’s Mixologist of the Year award and has authored two books, I’m Just Here for the Drinks and Let’s Get Blitzen.

She’s no stranger to dancing with the devil, but this time Jules Snow is on a vivid journey within. Follow El Alma, whose name means “the soul,” to an inviting intersection of two different classic cocktail formulas. There’s the mezcal and fresh-lime base of a margarita and the ginger kick and effervescence of a mule, all combining with juicy peach for an enchanting and spirit-satisfying great time.

Jules was the co-founder and creative director of Agave 308, Key West’s only agave-focused bar. Between the countless hours she’s spent there and her numerous travels to Mexico, she has cultivated her passion for and knowledge of agave spirits and cocktails. After a brief time in Virginia Beach, she was voted Best Mixologist Southside in the 2020 Best of Awards for Coastal Virginia Magazine. She’s since relocated to Crozet, VA, where you can find her a few nights a week at the Bebedero.

We kicked off 2021 roaming around snowy and scenic Finland with Chris Elford, and while wintry cocktail creations fit him like a glove, Chris turns to the dark arts this October. His cauldron is overflowing with this old fashioned that melds mezcal with a bit of well-seasoned boldness. The Mystic Brew ascends to a faraway, robust realm with Angostura bitters and a spiced cold brew syrup that flavors rich coffee with star anise, cardamom, and clove. Swirl it up and complete this official cocktail of the otherworldly with two very mezcal-friendly garnishes: an uplifting spritz of grapefruit oil and a smoldering cinnamon stick.

Following successes at Amor y Amargo and Kings County Distillery, Chris was handed the keys to his first bar-consulting project, creating the beer haven Proletariat in the East Village of NYC. He then made the move to Seattle and with his partner, Anu, opened No Anchor (a James Beard semifinalist for best new restaurant and outstanding bar program) and Navy Strength (the winner of Best New American Cocktail Bar at the 2018 Spirited Awards). Here Today Brewery & Kitchen, his newest project, is slated to open on the Seattle waterfront early next year.

With a Mezcalloween Box in your possession, ignore the shrieking cackles and follow us down foggy paths and around cobwebbed corners to a place of exciting tastes that’ll turn your October into a truly memorable and all-hallowed experience!

🍹💀🕷️,
The Shaker & Spoon Team

*not vegan: nothing
*potential allergens: toasted coconut flakes were originally packaged in the same facility as peanuts, tree nuts, soy, and milk products.