Comparison image detailing the main differences between Gin and Mezcal

Gin vs. Mezcal: Earthy Cocktail Swaps That Just Work

Expertise

Mezcal is known for bold, smoky flavor and a touch of wildness — but gin, especially one as layered as The Old G, brings its own version of earth, spice, and depth. Whether you’re out of mezcal or just looking to mix things up, here’s how to swap in gin without losing that moody, complex cocktail vibe.

How Mezcal and Gin Compare

Mezcal: Earthy, smoky, vegetal
The Old G: Botanical, citrus-forward, warm spice

Both bring:

  • Distinct character
  • Big flavor
  • Serious cocktail presence

The swap isn’t about being the same — it’s about being just as bold.

Smoky-Gin Negroni

Trade mezcal for gin in a mezcal Negroni to get brightness with backbone.

Recipe:

  • 1 oz The Old G
  • 1 oz Campari
  • 1 oz sweet vermouth
  • Optional: a dash of smoky bitters

Stirred, garnished with a grapefruit peel. Clean, edgy, and unexpectedly smooth.

Gin Oaxaca Sour Twist

A bright rework of a mezcal sour — no smoke, just spice and citrus.

Recipe:

  • 2 oz The Old G
  • ¾ oz lime juice
  • ½ oz agave syrup
  • 1 egg white or aquafaba
  • Dash of orange bitters

Shake dry, then with ice. Strain into a coupe. Garnish with ground cinnamon or citrus zest.

Gin Paloma Remix

Swap tequila or mezcal for gin in your Paloma and bring the flavor into crisp territory.

Recipe:

  • 2 oz The Old G
  • ½ oz lime juice
  • Top with grapefruit soda
  • Salt rim and grapefruit wedge

It's less smoky, more floral — but still hits.

The Old G Advantage

Why these swaps work:

  • Cardamom and coriander echo mezcal’s depth
  • The citrus keeps cocktails bright and clean
  • Smooth finish means you don’t miss the agave kick

You're not replicating — you're elevating.

Final Pour

Whether you’re after that earthy base or just ready for something fresh, The Old G can stand toe-to-toe with mezcal in the right builds. These swaps keep your cocktails complex, but offer a new, smoother path forward. Sip bold — just in a different direction.

Black and white image of The Old G gin pouring from a botte into a clear glass against a dark background. The water flow is steady, creating small ripples in the glass.
Buy The Old G

The Old G Gin is unlike any other. It’s smooth, with no burn, no bite, and none of the bitterness that defines traditional gin. Its bold flavor profile stands out, whether sipped neat or mixed into a cocktail.