Home

5 Mezcal cocktails to surprise your friends

Details

Written by: Gianna Esquivel

Hits: 1408

Like with other spirits, there’s a division about how to drink mezcal. Many bartenders and mezcal lovers recommend drinking it neat to enjoy its original taste. But there are enthusiasts who could not resist mixing it and preparing tasty cocktails. Based on personal experience and taste, some traditional cocktails, like mojitos, get really boosted to an alternative and delicious level with mezcal.

Here you have 5 mezcal cocktails you can easily prepare for your friends to toast in a Mexican style.

Paloma with mezcal

Let’s start with a well-known cocktail, the Paloma. This is a very popular tequila cocktail (what is tequila?) but you will totally surprise your guests with its mezcal version. Tequila and mezcal have very different flavors. The smoky, earthy, floral, or fruity notes of mezcal (depending on the mezcal you choose) will make a big difference.

The protagonist of your ingredient list is mezcal (45 ml-1.5 oz). Choose the one you prefer and if you still don’t know how to choose one, check our article (All about the mezcal).

Then you need grapefruit (90 ml-3 oz) and lime (7.5 ml-0.25 oz) juices. Tonic water, salt, and a slice of grapefruit. Prepare a highball glass.

Get a shaker with ice and combine within it the mezcal, the juices and shake them up. Get a highball, rimmed with the salt, and add the amount of ice you like. Then strain the mixture. Fill the glass to the top with tonic water. And add the final touch, sit the slice of grapefruit in.

Mojito with mezcal

If you are a mojito lover, don’t take this as aggression against rum. We also like it! But you should give it a try to its mezcal version.

To prepare a mojito with mezcal you need peppermint or mint leaves (6 or more), fresh lime juice (30 ml-1 oz), white sugar (one teaspoon) or simple syrup (15 ml-0.5 oz), soda, ice, mezcal (45 ml-1.5 oz), and a long drink glass.

First, put the sugar in the glass. Like this, it will get mixed with the ingredients that are coming. Add ice, lime juice, mezcal, and peppermint or mint leaves. Grind a bit the leaves for them to release their aroma and taste, but don’t break them totally. They add taste but they are also part of the decoration. Fill the glass to the top with soda. Sit a slice of lime in the rim of the glass.

Strawberry frozen Margarita with mezcal

The already popular Margarita gets refreshed with this sexy mezcal version.

You need a Margarita glass or any glass with a wide rim for adding salt or sugar, what you prefer. Mexicans add a little bit of chili (Tajín) to this mix. Just run a lime around the rim of the glass and dip it into sugar or salt to get the rim coated.

Get in a blender, ice (2 cups), strawberries or strawberry syrup, lime juice (30 ml-1 oz), honey (15 ml-0.5 oz), and mezcal (45 ml-1.5 oz). Once the mixture gets slushy, pour it into the glass and sit a lime slice in the rim.

Sunset with mezcal

To think about sunset directly sends us to a chill mood, Summer, beach, and a delicious drink.

Get a Martini cup or a long glass and put it in the freezer 10 minutes before you prepare the cocktail. You can also add ice if you like.

Then, add orange juice (100 ml-3.4 oz), mezcal (45 ml-1.5 oz), grenadine (15 ml-0.5 oz), and finally, a splash of soda to get the red hue at the top (sunset). If you put the grenadine first, it will be at the bottom of the glass so you will get a Sunrise cocktail instead. If oranges are not sweet enough, you can add sugar or simple syrup. To decorate, get a couple of orange slices or a cherry and sit them on the rim.

Now enjoy a fresh mezcal cocktail, a sunset with a unique smoky accent. Cheers!

Tamarind, mole, and mezcal cocktail

If you reached this point is because you are an adventurous drinker who is looking for more. Well, we have more for you. A cocktail that offers you the taste of Mexico in every sip.

You will need a mole. There are many types of the delicious mole in Mexico. For this cocktail, we recommend you buy black mole. Its taste includes spicy (cinnamon, chili, anise), peanut, and chocolate notes.

Get ready a Margarita glass or any glass with a wide rim. Mix a bit of salt with sugar and sesame. Run a lime around the rim of the glass and dip it into the mix to get the rim coated. Add ice to the glass.

Then take a blender and add the mole (1 teaspoon) and tamarind syrup (59 ml-2 oz). Pour this into the glass. Then add mezcal (45 ml-1.5 oz) and fill the glass to the top with soda.

Get a slice of lime or a couple of them and decorate the rim.

This is a really exotic Mexican combination. Tamarind acidity, combined with the ancient tradition and deep taste of mole, and mezcal produce a memorable pleasure in your palate.

 
We recommend you use fresh fruits and juices for preparing these cocktails. But if you can't get them, you can buy syrups in the supermarket. The main objective is not to stop the fun!

Conclusion

Mezcal is a delicious and interesting Mexican spirit. Be sure that drinking it neat or in a cocktail will be a pleasant experience. The last decision about which way is better is totally yours! Share your comments and experience with PackandGo.info ! Cheers!
If you like to know more about mezcal, check our article "Mexican mezcal is a sip of heaven - Interesting facts about mezcal".

How to be a good host without die trying?

Details

Written by: Gianna Esquivel

Hits: 1392

As travelers, all of us know how important is to look for accommodation. To have a place to overnight is one of the biggest worries. The direct way to solve this need is to book a room in a hotel or hostel or to rent a place. But sometimes, a last-minute arrival, peak season, an unexpected event can make these choices hard to get or unavailable.

These scenarios are really common, especially in touristic destinations. Have you ever asked a friend or someone to host you? What would you do if you have the chance to host someone? Is it possible to solve this big traveler concern without losing your privacy or feeling invaded? Could we keep the calm of our place and nice relation with our guests? To invite someone to stay in your home can be a cool experience or a nightmare.

We have heard thousands of stories by now, positive and negative. People who have found in hosting a way of traveling without leaving their place while meeting new nice people. But also people who don't want to open their sanctuary (home) to others anymore.

Well, after experiencing both sides in different moments (being guests and hosts), we have some tips to share with you!

What is the key to being a good host?

The key to being a good host is to communicate properly and honestly. If you will host someone at your home, before accepting him or her, both sides must express everything, their visit’s purpose, plans, length of time, etc. Nobody, neither the host nor the guest must assume stuff!

Unsaid things are a chance for many misunderstandings.

How to be a good host without die trying?

Here you have some useful recommendations based on true experience.

Think seriously about the request. 

When someone asks you "hey, dude I'm going to your beautiful city for the holidays. Could you host me?". Don't answer the request immediately. Check how busy your agenda is? Are you in a good mood to have visitors? We can get excited with the request but also we could feel badly pushed, shy, afraid...

It depends on how social and tolerant you are having people around. If you are experiencing some bad days that require you to be a bit lonely. If you don't trust the people. If your place will be busy with workers of any kind or you need it for your freelance job... better say clearly and openly. "No, maybe next time".

Get the whole picture before saying "yes". 

In some cultures, people consider it’s rude to condition the answer for hosting or to dig into guests' plans. Please, no matter your nationality or traditions, it’s your home, so you have the right to know people's plans. If the request comes from family members, friends, or unknown travelers (Couchsurfing platform, BeWelcome.org, Couchers.org, for instance), it doesn't make any difference.

Ask! How long they are planning to stay with you? How many people does the plan involve? Are they moving by themselves once there? They sound like basic things but there are still many complaints from hosts around the world who wrongly assumed they would host for just 2,3 days and suddenly the guests moved after a month. Single requests that became a 'party' of 3,4 or more guys at their home. Or people spending entire days at their home waiting for them (hosts) to be the ones driving them (guests) around the city. 

Both sides must be clear and direct. Be sure not to assume a single detail. Ask everything you need to know not to suffer afterward!

Talking about friends, check this article: "Unexpected friendship lessons, only traveling can teach you". 

Have a specific place for hosting. 

Hospitality is a very nice practice. It doesn't matter if you live in a big or small apartment, in a luxurious or humble house, on a farm, a hut, or a tiny studio. But to choose in advance the place where guests will sleep to describe it properly can stop guests' wrong expectations. To have an independent room for them is very practical to host guests. But if they have to share the bedroom with you, if you just have a mattress, an old couch, a hammock for them to sleep in, or you don't have such thing, say it clearly for them to be prepared.

Clean! 

Here we think everybody will agree. Even if you just offer a place to sleep on the ground of your living room, clean it for the guests! A few things are as disgusting as sleeping in a dirty place, receiving bad smelly bedsheets, lying down on a surface with bugs... To offer a clean place for hosting visitors is a must!

When we are talking about preparations, you might also be interested in "What to do before leaving home for a long holiday?".

Avoid fake expectations. 

There are many factors involved in a trip decision. The time people will spend, the kind of adventure they have in mind, the relationship they have with you... 

Let's face it, many people will ask you to host them just because they need to save money, your location is convenient for their plans, they feel safer staying with someone who lives in the place... Ok, sometimes it could be true they miss you or want to meet the charming and awesome guy you are... but not necessarily. Talk about it clearly and avoid fake expectations. Know if you will spend time with them or if they are only asking you for a place to stay.

Without this information, to modify or pause your agenda assuming they maybe invite you to join their plans, can be a mistake. Avoid disappointment or frustration. If you want to have time with your guests that could be perfectly arranged. But the clue again is to talk about it!

Give a home tour! 

By this point for sure, you accepted to host so why don't you plan a tour to welcome them? We move already instinctively around our home but let's make that task easy for the guests. And, in this way, let's establish the rules that are important for us to be respected. 

Point kindly but also firmly the spaces that are open for them and the ones that are not. If you have delicate stuff you prefer not to be touched, pets that you don't want to be fed by the guests, just say it! We all have personal habits and also some maniacs. It’s ok. It’s your home, right? So if you have that special cup your grandma gave you to drink your daily coffee, say it: “it’s just mine!”. They could take it if they ignore it’s your favorite and get you so angry. 

Don't make people guess. If you share something from your fridge or not. If you need to be the first to take shower in the morning, say it! You are working. They are on holiday. Schedules and turns could be easily organized based on priorities. It’s not fair to push our guests to get uncomfortable 'mistakes' because we didn't talk about something properly.

To share or not the keys? 

Hospitality is also a leap of faith. If you know people or not, always there can be surprises in human behavior. But to trust even in these hard times leaves a very nice feeling. Take the first minutes in the arrival to feel the environment and people's viber. If there is a nice interaction, you like their manners and they are capable enough to make you feel they are trustable, try! It has some advantages. In case they arrive late, you don't have to be waiting for them. If they forget something, you don't have to leave your job to help them. But take your time to decide this. It’s not a must to do it!

Make your guests independent.

Of course, you should try to have some nice moments with your guests. But always is good to provide them information about transportation in the city, schedules, rates, day and night choices, etc. for them to enjoy by themselves and not to depend totally on you and the free time your tight schedule allows. 

Talk openly about COVID-19 and other illnesses.

Before the current pandemic, honestly we didn’t think about this. But it’s important not only to be polite and generous with the guests but also to take care of your health and your family's. Talk openly with your guests about the topic. Ask them if they are healthy. Tell them clearly how they can make you feel safer. And be sure you get to know how you can make them feel safe too. Both sides are to be considered.

It’s your home and they should agree on your rules and healthy measures. But also how acceptable are theirs for you? If they don’t like your rules or you can’t accept theirs, it’s better not to host them. The objective should be to have a nice time together. To have a daily debate at home against or in favor of masks, vaccines, social distance, washing hands, etc. could be stressful.

Advantages of hosting people.

• It’s nice to meet friends you can’t see frequently.
• Having guests breaks a bit the routine and adds a refreshing touch.
• Having guests is a good motivation to order and clean your home.
• The exchange of ideas with people that don’t belong to your regular context can give you new ideas and different perspectives.
• Interaction with foreigners can give you a picture of their countries. If you haven’t traveled there, this is a good way to know about them.
• Having guests you will become a tourist in your city or town. Visiting common places for you with them will make the experience different and more interesting.

Disadvantages of hosting people.

• Sharing the space is not easy for some people so hosting can be an uncomfortable experience.
• Hosting people demands a bit of your time so think it twice if you are too busy.
• If you are not used to interacting with foreigners or you are not very tolerant, cultural differences could be a struggle.

Conclusion.

After many experiences, we can say that hosting is a very nice practice. You always learn! From positive and negative experiences. It makes you improve empathy and tolerance. And the nicest thing for us, it’s to know we contribute a bit to get our guests a great time! Next time, it can be our turn. We could be the protagonists of a great trip adventure!

Share your experiences with us. 

Why do young people dislike Kavala?

Details

Written by: Gianna Esquivel

Hits: 1259

After having a great beginning in Fanari, this morning we arrived in Kavala, Greece! We left the village environment to arrive in a city and we immediately felt the difference. The pace, the number of people, transit on the streets, the air you breathe, the noise, the buildings, etc. are all signs that are easily readable to the senses. We really like this type of contrast in life and when we travel. To be constantly looking for a difference, even a small one, is our method to avoid boredom. So, we love the conveniences that cities offer. And it's great that  the countryside and the villages exist, because they are a great escape when you need a break from the cities. In our opinion, both environments complement each other very well.

We loved the quiet environment of the Greek village Fanari (our previous stop). Let’s see now, what Kavala has in store for us! And let’s find out why young people dislike Kavala.

Where is Kavala?

Kavala (Καβάλα in Greek) is located in northern Greece. You will easily find it on the map following these references:

The city is across Thasos Island.

Based on Google Maps calculations, it is:

• 155 km (1 hr. 50 min.) east of Thessaloniki.
• 40 km (45 min.) southeast of Drama.
• 54 km (50 min.) southwest of Xhanti.
• 149 km (1 hr. 45 min.) west of Alexandroupoli.
• 320 km (4 hr. 20 min.) southeast of Sofia, Bulgaria.

A Glimpse of Kavala’s History

About Kavala, history has been traced until prehistoric times. Through time, this cute and hilly city has had different names, Neapolis is its ancient name, Christopolis (Byzantine), and Kavala (modern). Let’s go through some historical highlights of Kavala to understand a bit more about the architecture, monuments, and attractions you can visit nowadays.

First of all, let’s say that in ancient times, two important cities existed in the current area named Municipality of Kavala: Neapolis and Krinides (later Philippi). Keep this in mind, because the history of both cities is too tied and explains many things about the current Kavala.

• Kavala’s origin. In the context of long wars against the Thracian races, Neapolis (“new city”) was founded by habitants of Thassos in the 7th century BC. Neapolis thrived as an important trading center due to its strategic location and natural harbor.
• Roman Philippi. The Battle of Philippi took place close to Kavala (42 BC) and marked a significant turning point in Roman history. This meant the end of the Roman Republic and paved the way for the Roman Empire. Philip II of Macedon (father of Alexander the Great) established the city of Philippi, which through time got into a thriving Roman city.
• The visit of the Apostle Paul. It happened in the first century AD. The Apostle’s mission was to spread Christianity through the region. He established one of the earliest Christian communities in Europe, built the first church in Philippi (nearby Kavala), and baptized the first European Christians.
• Byzantine period. Christopolis developed as a key administrative and commercial center. The city was fortified, and several Byzantine monasteries and churches were constructed, like the Panagia Church, transforming the image of the city.
• Ottoman Rule. Ottomans ruled Kavala in the 14th century and kept control of the city for several centuries. During this time, Kavala grew significantly and became a strategic trading hub connecting the Middle East and Europe.
• Tobacco. During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Kavala was a big player in the tobacco industry. Tobacco’s cultivation and export made the city prosper and brought merchants from around the world. Many tobacco warehouses, called "koulouria," were built at this time.
• Greek War of Independence (early 19th century). Kavala was a point of revolutionary activity where different acts of resistance and heavy fights against the Ottomans took place.
• Liberation and Union with Greece. Kavala got its liberation from Ottoman rule in 1912, during the Balkan Wars. In 1913, it officially became part of the Kingdom of Greece.
• Jewish Heritage. Kavala hosted a wide Jewish community for centuries and the architecture of the Jewish quarter, also called the Synagogue neighborhood, is a living proof of that. The synagogues, schools, and other buildings are traces you can still find today.
• Modern Kavala. Bulgarians were a constant threat since the Byzantine era. During the early 20th century, Kavala was occupied three times more by Bulgaria. In 1912, during the First Balkan War, Kavala was liberated soon after, in 1913 when the Second Balkan War was on. Later World War I ignited and in 1916, Bulgaria took over Kavala again. To get liberated from them was harder this time, but finally, in 1918 Bulgarians got expelled. The third Bulgarian occupation took place in the war of 1940-1941 when Greece was occupied by the Axis Powers. The invasion was led by nazi Germany and supported by its Bulgarian ally, which possessed Kavala until 1944.
  

  

  
  A long war history preceded the development of Kavala into a modern city. Now, it keeps its ancient importance as a strategic seaport and it is one of the largest cities of Macedonia included in the wide menu of cool destinations that Greece offers to tourists worldwide.
  

What to do in Kavala? What to visit in Kavala?

Beaches of Kavala

Kavala is a beautiful hilly city, but we can’t deny that beaches make it even more attractive. You know, those Greek clear waters you see in every pic on the Internet. Sandy beaches, a long coastline, beauty all around, and easy-to-reach tavernas, what else do you need? During our visit (May 2023), we had a few rainy days, but several sunny ones so we enjoyed a lot jumping into the waters of Kavala beach to start, and later, in the Tosca, Batis beaches and more. You can explore km by km of the coast and find awesome spots on the beach where to have a very relaxing time! We were moving 4km, 5km, 8 km and the findings were awesome! (LINK a nea iraklitsa, etc.) During Summer, the beaches get full of beach bars, umbrellas, and sunbeds. Exactly now, the beaches were clean of those facilities and it was perfect!

The Castle of Kavala or Kavala Fortress

When you arrive in Kavala, you will spot the castle on top of a hill overlooking the city. It dates back to the 15th century. On the first days, we skipped the challenge hahaha. We thought, “It looks awesome from here (down)” hahaha. We were lazy, it’s true! But we knew that sooner or later, we would face the challenge of walking up to visit it. And that day, was today! We walked heading to the Old Town of Kavala. Honestly, it is a moderate climb, but we did it during a very sunny day (May 2023), so it demanded some breaks and drinking water. The effort for sure feels double if you go in Summer when it is much hotter.

After 45 minutes (breaks to take pics and breath included), we reached the crest of the hill, where the castle is. The Castle of Kavala is also called Kavala Fortress, and this last name suits it better because what you will see there is the strong walls and the tower of a fortress, plus the ruins of the food and ammunition store that became a prison during some time. The bricks, granite stones, and marble of the fortress walls suffered attacks from Byzantines, Venetians, and Ottomans. Views from there to the city and the Aegean Sea are splendid. We recommend you walk up there. You can take a taxi but come on, no pain, no gain! Hahaha.

There is an entrance fee of € 4.50 (May 2023).

Old Town of Kavala or Panagia’s District

If you visit the castle, you will be in the Old Town of Kavala and vice versa. It is a nice place to visit. Walking around is the best way to enjoy it since the streets can get very narrow at some moments. But in this area, the present and past interact daily. While walking, you will discover landmarks, old houses, and monuments, but also modern people going to school, cooking, washing clothes, or having a beer in a tavern. The Old Town is not kept as a museum. It is a place with a deep history where current people live a regular life.

Neoclassical buildings, colorful houses, cobbled streets, cute wooden balconies, blooming gardens, and traditional taverns await there for your visit. Karaoli Square, the Imaret which is a kind of complex common to find in Ottoman cities and a trace of the Ottoman presence in the area (currently, a hotel); a monument and the house of Muhammad Ali (nowadays, a museum), who was born in Kavala and created the Imaret; the Holy Church of the assumption of Holy Mary which in the past was a monastery operated hiddenly during the Turkish occupation, the lighthouse, where you can enjoy panoramic views, beautiful sunsets, and even the Thasos island during clear days! If you are looking for a romantic place, this is it!

Kamares, the aqueduct of Kavala

It is a very well-preserved landmark, originally constructed by the Romans to ensure the water supply for the city. Its arches and the whole structure are visible from different points of the city.

Kavala’s Port

We loved to walk around the port. We got interested in watching fishermen working on their boats. It is a very pleasant place to go around and get more pics of the hilly city, the fortress up, and its surroundings. Tourists but also locals gather in the nearby taverns, cafés, and benches. It is a cool place to meet Greek people if you feel like it.

Municipal Park of Kavala or Alistrati Park

The park is close to the center and it is a very nice escape from the streets of the city. During sunny days, it was a cool place to take a break after exploring the city. You can just sit on a bench there, choose a shade, relax, and recharge energy to keep going around Kavala. It is a cool place, that picnic lovers shouldn’t miss!

You may also like: Top 5 parks in Budapest for picnic lovers

Taverns, restaurants, and cafés

You will find taverns and cafés all around Kavala. Greek seasoning is very tasty, so either if you are a meat lover or a veggie, there is a dish you can enjoy. Kavala’s cuisine blends traditional Greek flavors with influences from the nearby Aegean Sea and the Balkans.

Drinking a coffee while enjoying a nice view or chatting with friends is a nice way to spend time here.

Philippi, archeological site

If you feel like going a bit out of Kavala, drive only 16 km northeast (24 min.) and you will reach Philippi, a popular archeological site. There, you will see the well-preserved ruins of the theater that date back to the Hellenistic period, the forum, and some early churches. Remember the visit of the Apostle Paul to Philippi to spread Christianity.

Art galleries and museums are also a choice but this time, we will leave them for you to visit and tell us your opinion hahaha.

Why do young people dislike Kavala?

As you see, Kavala is a modern and comfortable city to visit. It has a fast pace, you see people going around all the time, to work, to school, etc. But still, it is not a crowded city. Based on the last census results (2021) published by the Hellenic Statistical Authority (ELSTAT), the population of Kavala is 66,376 inhabitants. When we compare with the population of Mexico City where we lived some time, there is a big difference between sharing space daily with millions or with only thousands. Kavala’s population is still something you can handle without feeling overwhelmed. Transit on the streets sometimes gets very busy, so you can better walk or get a bicycle. The choices are many when it comes to taverns, all types of shops, entertainment, etc. Besides being a city with all the amenities, it has awesome beaches and that is a super bonus! So why do young people dislike Kavala?

The answer was explained to us directly by different young guys we randomly met while visiting the city. Greek people are very kind, fun, and willing to have a nice chat with you. We loved they are generous with their time and words, meaning, they like long and straight conversations hahaha. Sometimes, when you meet shy people or people reluctant to speak about some matters, conversations go only in monosyllables and it is too hard to get interesting stuff.

Why do young people dislike Kavala? Well, as tourists we miss some factors that make a difference for people who live in the destination we visit. Kavala’s youth enjoy a lot the Summer and its nice vibe. Lots of tourists arrive and with them, more job opportunities get opened and it gets more fun too. But considering that is seasonal, they have 3, maximum 4 active and cool months every year. When Winter arrives, the most fun part of Kavala goes to sleep, beaches get empty, the sea is cold, and good job opportunities are less. That is very disappointing for young people trying to succeed in life.

The economic challenges Greece has faced in recent years, together with high unemployment rates and limited chances for young people, lead them to some level of frustration and desire for change. Many young guys of Kavala reckon the future they want is either in a bigger city, they mentioned specifically Thessaloniki, or somewhere abroad, but not in Kavala.

It is very interesting to chat with local people. When they talk with you, it is like they draw the curtains to show you their reality, their daily goals, and concerns; behind the scenes of a city that on the surface looks just great. Seriously guys, thanks again for sharing your time and thoughts with us!

So dear Pack and Goers reading this blog, if you have the chance, to talk with people, Greeks have really interesting stuff to share and travels are also about learning. Monuments and archaeological sites teach a lot about history, but today's people have a lot to say. And right now, they are the ones writing the future of the city.

Disclaimer: these comments may not represent the opinion of all of Kavala’s youth, but they were frequently expressed by young people between 16 and 24 years old.

Conclusion

We had an awesome time in Kavala, Greece. We recommend this city as a cool destination to visit for everybody, no matter the age, there is something for you. There is history, culture, natural beauty, tasty food and beverages, a nice vibe, cool people, everything to have a great time.

If you are thinking of living in Kavala and you are young or you have young kids, you should check more about the opportunities for young people to develop and succeed first. If you are an adult, digital nomad, or retired, go ahead and enjoy Kavala! Perhaps, this Greek city is the retirement destination you never thought about!

We are enchanted in Greece so we will stay longer! Discover the next stop of our 2023 tour, following packandgo.info

You may find interesting also:

It is official, Fanari has been occupied by Bulgaria!

Please, do not visit the beaches near Kavala City!

Keramoti: The Beach Town You’re Not Visiting—And It’s Better Than Santorini!

Thasos, Greece: Don't Fall for the Hype! Read the Truth!