A Night of Fire and Flavor: El Cristiano Tequila Introduces Mezcal Joven

El Cristiano Tequila celebrated the global launch of its first mezcal on Sept. 9 with a private party at a Beverly Hills estate, marking a bold new era for the brand known as “the world’s most delicious tequila.”

The soirée was a milestone moment for El Cristiano, which has already built a reputation in the U.S. and abroad for its additive-free, small-batch tequilas. Now, with the introduction of mezcal, the brand is doubling down on its mission of Purity, Passion, and Purpose—while showcasing a spirit steeped in Oaxacan tradition.

A Mezcal Born in the Highlands

Unlike mass-produced agave spirits, El Cristiano’s new mezcal is handcrafted in the village of San Luis del Río, Oaxaca, Mexico where mezcaleros have perfected their methods for over a century.

Starting with espadín agave cultivated for more than five years, the agaves are slow-roasted in wood-fired earthen pits, fermented naturally with wild yeast in pinewood tanks, and double-distilled in copper pot stills.

The result is a mezcal with depth: soft sweetness from ripe agave, herbaceous green notes from the Oaxacan terroir, a whisper of smoke, and the clean finish El Cristiano fans know well.

“Bringing mezcal into the El Cristiano family was a natural next step,” said founder Karan Khanna, welcoming guests with a toast. “We’ve always been about celebrating the very best of agave spirits, and this mezcal represents our passion for authentic, time-honored methods and bold, soulful flavor.”

A Starry Celebration

Notable names spotted sipping mezcal cocktails included Jessie T. Usher, Kendra Wilkinson, Alexis Carey, Paola Paulin, DeVaughn Nixon, Christine Obanor, and DJ Aaron Colbert. Also in attendance were influencers, chefs, entrepreneurs, and tastemakers—each drawn into El Cristiano’s orbit by its reputation for craftsmanship and style.

At the tasting bar, guests sampled neat pours of the new mezcal, as well as signature cocktails like a smoky Mezcalita and a zesty twist on the classic Margarita Diablo. The tequila bar kept El Cristiano loyalists happy with the brand’s beloved Reposado, buttery XR Extra Reposado, Añejo Black Label, and even limited pours of the rare Ocho, aged eight years.

“This night was about more than just launching a new spirit,” Khanna added. “It’s about sharing culture, craft, and joy with our El Cristiano familia. That’s what makes us different—we don’t just pour drinks; we create experiences.”

Mezcal, the Original Rebel, Redefined

For Khanna and his team, the expansion into Mezcal is about honoring roots while setting new standards for the category. At 44% ABV, the Mezcal Joven balances smoky character with finesse, delivering roasted agave, black pepper, and citrus in a way that feels both bold and impossibly smooth.

“El Cristiano has always been built on transparency and integrity,” Khanna explained. “Our tequila is additive-free, and our mezcal follows the same path. This is about purity of flavor and respect for the traditions that came before us.”

Purpose Beyond the Bottle

While the Beverly Hills launch was a glamorous affair, Khanna emphasized that El Cristiano’s mission goes far beyond spirits. Through its Fundación El Cristiano, the brand invests directly in the communities of Jalisco and Oaxaca, where its agave is grown and harvested.

From donating laptops to orphanages and schools, to supporting disability centers, to ensuring fair wages for second- and third-generation agave farmers, the company has woven community impact into its DNA.

“When we say Purity, Passion, and Purpose, it’s not just marketing—it’s our way of life,” Khanna said. “If we’re making the world’s most delicious tequila and mezcal, we also have to make a positive difference in the places that make it possible.”

The Future of El Cristiano

Already embraced by acclaimed restaurants, luxury hotels, and select retailers across the U.S., El Cristiano’s mezcal debut signals the brand’s growing global ambitions. From Los Angeles to London, Oaxaca to Mumbai, the El Cristiano name is becoming synonymous with premium agave spirits that marry heritage and modernity.

“This mezcal is just the beginning,” Khanna hinted, as guests clinked glasses into the night. “Our journey is about honoring the spirit of Mexico while sharing it with the world. We want every sip to remind people of where it came from—and why it matters.”

As the fire dancers closed out the evening and the last Palomas were poured, one thing was clear: El Cristiano had succeeded in turning a Tuesday night in Beverly Hills into something timeless, transporting its guests straight to the highlands of Oaxaca.