15-Minute Grave Digger Mezcal Cocktail with Apple
A Halloween-themed mezcal cocktail combining smoky mezcal with crisp apple cider, brightened by lemon and orange liqueur, finished with spicy ginger beer. The signature garnish--a gummy worm inserted into an apple slice--makes this perfect for October parties and themed events. The mezcal's earthy notes pair beautifully with the apple's natural sweetness, while ginger beer adds a peppery fizz that ties everything together.
Ingredients
- 1 red delicious apple, sliced into quarter-inch rounds
- 1 gummy worm
- 2 ounces mezcaltequila reposado1:1spirit swap
pairs well but less smoky
- 2 ounces apple cider, non-alcoholic
- ½ ounce lemon juice
- ½ ounce orange liqueur, such as Cointreautriple sec1:1spirit swap
similar citrus profile
- ¼ cup ginger beerginger ale1:1carbonated swap
less spicy, milder flavor
Instructions
- 1
Slice red delicious apple into quarter-inch rounds.
- 2
Pierce an apple slice with a hole and insert a gummy worm, then spear on a cocktail pick.
- 3
Fill a cocktail glass and shaker with ice.
- 4
Add mezcal, apple cider, lemon juice, and orange liqueur to the shaker.
- 5
Shake vigorously for about one minute.
- 6
Strain into the ice-filled glass.
- 7
Top with ginger beer.
- 8
Garnish with the apple slice and gummy worm pick.
- 9
Serve immediately.
Tips
For best results, use fresh-pressed apple cider rather than bottled juice--it provides a richer, more authentic apple flavor that complements the mezcal's smokiness.
Chill your glassware before preparing the cocktail to keep the drink cold longer and prevent dilution from ice melt.
Insert the gummy worm just before serving so it remains fresh and visually striking for your guests.
Good to Know
Prepare apple slices and gummy worm garnishes up to 4 hours ahead; store covered in the refrigerator. Mix cocktail components immediately before serving for optimal fizz and temperature.
Serve immediately over ice in a chilled cocktail glass. Perfect for Halloween parties, themed gatherings, and autumn celebrations.
Common Mistakes
Shake for less than one minute to avoid inadequate dilution and chilling
Add ginger beer before straining to avoid losing carbonation
Use warm glassware to prevent the cocktail from staying properly cold
Substitutions
similar citrus profile
pairs well but less smoky
less spicy, milder flavor
FAQ
Can I make this cocktail without mezcal?
Yes, substitute with tequila reposado or blanco for a similar spirit base, though you'll lose the distinctive smoky flavor that makes this drink special. Whiskey is another option for a different but complementary profile.
What if I can't find fresh apple cider?
Use unfiltered, unpasteurized apple juice as a close alternative. Bottled apple cider works too, though fresh cider provides superior flavor and texture. Avoid artificial apple juice blends.
How far ahead can I prepare the garnish?
Prepare the apple slices and insert the gummy worm up to four hours ahead. Store covered in the refrigerator to prevent the apple from browning and the worm from drying out.