The Art of Pairing: Inside the Founders’ Favorite Mocel Moments

Looking for the perfect pairing? Our founders, sisters Rosalinda and Elizabeth Mendoza, share their favorite ways to enjoy Mocel Mezcal from simple bites to bold flavors that highlight the spirit’s character. 

Pairing mezcal isn’t about rules, it’s about connection. Mezcal invites you to explore. It’s about what feels right: the balance of flavor, the people you’re with, and the stories that unfold around the glass. For Rosalinda and Elizabeth, pairing Mocel is an act of appreciation for craft, for the land, and for the moments we slow down to savor it. 

Rosalinda’s Pairings: Earthy, Bright, and Balanced 

Rosalinda’s favorite pairings are grounded in simplicity. Growing up in Yakima, Washington, surrounded by orchards, she’s always had a soft spot for apples. She loves fresh apple slices with sea salt alongside Mocel Cupreata. The sweetness of the apple brings out the mezcal’s herbal and mineral notes, while the salt enhances its subtle smoke. “It’s the perfect bite between sips,” Rosalinda says. “The salt lifts the mezcal’s smoke, and the apple refreshes the palate”. 

For something heartier, she turns to slow-cooked barbecue. The rich, smoky depth of the meat pairs beautifully with Cupreata’s clean, elegant finish. It’s a pairing that feels both rustic and refined, just like Mocel itself. 

Elizabeth’s Pairings: Bright, Playful, and Bold 

Elizabeth leans into flavor and color. One of her go-to pairings is blood orange with sal de gusano — a traditional salt made with chile, sea salt, and roasted agave worms. The mix of citrus, spice, and umami makes every sip of Mocel come alive. “The contrast brings out the mezcal’s complexity,” she says. “It reminds me that eating and drinking is about engaging all your senses.” 

She also loves building a cheese spread that celebrates texture — a mix of creamy brie, nutty Gouda, and aged cheddar with Mocel’s Ensamble. Each bite reveals something new in the mezcal: deeper smoke, softer sweetness, a longer finish. It’s a simple, elevated way to enjoy mezcal with friends. 

This season take inspiration from Rosalinda and Elizabeth’s favorites. Try pairing Mocel with something fresh or something that simply feels like home. Because the best pairings aren’t just about taste, they’re about the people and the stories shared along the way.