Mezcal punch

Distilled from the agave plant, mezcal can taste a bit vegetal or funky to the uninitiated. Consider Mezcalita al Pastor ($10) the ideal gateway drink. The smooth El Silencio Mezcal at the base is made in Oaxaca from organic agave. Fresh pineapple and lime juices blend seamlessly with the spirit to create tangy flavors that glide easily down the gullet. It’s coated with Tajín chili powder on the rim, so you can take sips from the side for a zap of salty spice that brings out the sugars in the drink. At the end, savor the pineapple wedge that’s soaked up the boozy punch. 2320 Jazz Alley, http://cantinaalley.com.