It all started this summer at Cabrito. My friend Judy and I would meet there for early drinks, and by chance one night, we discovered a mezcal and watermelon drink called Sandia ($11). Match made in Tequila heaven! The smokiness of the mezcal really complimented the watermelon. A few months later, when I finally went to Mayahuel, all I could think of was that mezcal and watermelon. As luck would have it, the first drink on the Mayahuel menu was a Watermelon Sugar, made of watermelon, blanco tequila, joven mezcal with sugar cane, citrus and a spicy salted rim ($13).

I try to stop after two Watermelon Sugars and venture on to other mezcal-based variations, but it’s so hard. Mayahuel just started serving brunch this past weekend, so now I can have my favorite cocktail before 6pm!