Smokey Limeade Cocktail

The Smokey Limeade Cocktail is a simple drink built with mezcal, smoked Lemon, and lime juice, sugar syrup, and tonic!

Smokey Limeade Cocktail Info

Limeade is a great summer drink, providing refreshing relief from the heat. This thirst-quenching drink does not need to be reserved for summer, says Carmen Polcyn, the bartender from Chicago, who invented the Smoky Limeade at Bar Toma.

Smoky Limeade can be made with or without alcohol. I would suggest mezcal if you prefer a boozy option; Blanco tequila can also work well. But I use mezcal, which will give your drink earthy flavors and subtle smoke. Skipping the liquor and having a mocktail with no-ABV that you can enjoy all day is also a great option.

In addition to the optional spirit, a big part of the drink is the smoked citrus juice, which I create by grilling sugar-coated lemons and limes. If you have a smoker, you could also use that! Just add your cut lemon on low to medium temp for an hour, and you will have your smoked lemons. Now combine the smokey citrus juice with sugar syrup, soda water, or tonic water. You can use the soda to make it a bit drier if you prefer that. I use tonic because it provides sweetness.

Smoky Limeade, a fun twist on the picnic favorite, adds more flavor through charred citrus. You can make it anytime you feel, even in winter. The savory, smoky flavor of this drink is great for any season.