If you're looking for a complex, well-balanced mezcal cocktail perfect for impressing your guests or enjoying with friends, the Velociraptor from Erstwhile Mezcal is the drink for you.

Inspired by the Firebird cocktail, the Velociraptor takes the classic recipe to new heights by incorporating fresh, aromatic ingredients that work together to create a sophisticated flavor profile. The Firebird is traditionally made with tequila, crème de banane, lime juice, and lemonade. Riffing on these ingredients, the tequila is replaced with Erstwhile Espadin Mezcal, the crème de banane with chamomile syrup, the lime juice for lemon juice, and the lemonade with fresh pineapple juice. The result is a far more elevated cocktail than its predecessor.

Erstwhile Espadin is a sipping mezcal with notes of butterscotch, black tea, banana, barbecue, and well-balanced smoke. These flavors complement the pineapple's sweetness and the chamomile's subtle floral notes beautifully. Adding cracked pink peppercorns as a finishing garnish takes it to the next level with an aromatic, peppery nose, making this cocktail a joy for the senses. For those wondering about the chamomile syrup, fear not! It's easy to make at home — just replace hot water with hot chamomile tea when making simple syrup.

With its complex flavor and unique ingredients, the Velociraptor cocktail from Erstwhile Mezcal will surely become a new favorite for anyone who tries it.