Mercadito Opens La Mez Agave Lounge

The River North stalwart, Mercadito Chicago, has launched their new downstairs mezcal lounge, La Mez Agave Lounge.

La Mez Agave Lounge will feature a rotating list of more than 80 mezcals, curated by the Tippling Bros., along with crafted mezcal cocktails created with head mixologist Dylan Stewart.

Mezcal, often referred to as the cousin of tequila, is a centuries-old spirit produced mainly in the Oaxaca region of Mexico and made from the agave plant. Distillers traditionally slow-roast the agave by burying it in pit ovens, which infuses the final product with its signature smoky, complex flavor profile.

“With all the years that we’ve been involved with Mercadito and, specifically, working with agave spirits, we have seen a prodigious growth in interest of mezcal. Not just on the industry side, but with consumers alike. This speaks highly about the level of sophistication that people now seek,” comments Paul Tanguay of Tippling Bros.

La Mez will also feature culinary selections from Mercadito Chicago’s menu as well as new items created by Chef Patricio Sandoval.

Cocktails include:

Venadito, mezcal, oloroso sherry, piloncillo, lemon, star anise; $12

Thriller, mezcal, Velvet Falernum, lemon, apple, bitter lemon soda, purple; $13

I’ll Show You Mine, If... mezcal, pistachio orgeat, lemon, egg white, Angostura bitters; $13

Don’t Make me Sing, chanterelle­plantain infused mezcal, Lillet Blanc, honey, lemon, celery bitters; $14

Highgarden, mezcal, yellow Chartreuse, lemon, honey; $12

Flo­Go, mezcal, white grape, lemon, agave, lager beer, shish kabears; $13

Hot Mez, mezcal, Azeve gentiane liqueur, Grand Marnier, lime, agave; $14

Mom Jeans, mezcal, Amaro Meletti, Ancho Reyes; $14