Applebee’s taps into mezcal for the first timeApplebee’s taps into mezcal for the first time

Applebee’s is introducing mezcal cocktails on its menu for the first time, using Dos Hombres, a company founded in 2019 by actors Aaron Paul and Bryan Cranston based on their Breaking Bad characters, and Teremena Tequila, founded by Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson in early 2020.

The Applebee’s partnership marks Dos Hombres’ initial foray into the restaurant industry on a national scale. According to the company, the award-winning, premium mezcal is made from Espadin agave, selected from the hillsides of a small village in Oaxaca, Mexico, and crafted using traditional methods. It offers a smooth, rich flavor with a discreet smoky finish.

Mezcal, a distilled spirit made from agave, is one of the fastest growing spirits in the world, with an anticipated compound annual growth rate of over 12.3% in the next five years, according to Mordor Intelligence.

The new mezcal lineup includes three drinks available for $9. They are hand-shaken, poured tableside and served with a chilled shaker. The lineup includes:

Breaking Rock Rita: Dos Hombres Mezcal shaken up with the ultra-premium Teremana Blanco Tequila, blue curacao, lime, and a sky-blue sugar rim.  

Passion Fruit Mezcal Rita: Sweet with a kiss of smoke, the Passion Fruit Mezcal Rita features passion fruit, Dos Hombres Mezcal, Teremana Blanco Tequila, triple sec, lime, and a gummi lip garnish.  

Classic Mezcal Rita: Made for the traditional margarita drinker looking to kick things up a notch, the Classic Mezcal Rita features Applebee’s signature margarita mix with a hint of smoke from Dos Hombres Mezcal, Teremana Blanco Tequila, triple sec, and lime.  

“We are thrilled to launch mezcal cocktails at Applebee’s for the first time,” Patrick Kirk, vice president of Beverage Innovation at Applebee’s, said in a statement “From Albany to Albuquerque, we look forward to introducing guests across the country (and Canada) to the great flavor of mezcal. But hurry in, because these smokey sips are only here for a limited time.”

Contact Alicia Kelso at [email protected]