This Mezcal Margarita recipe is a firm favorite among folks who like a hint of smokiness in their mixed drinks. When added to a Margarita, a good mezcal will impart some captivating flavor notes that bring to mind freshly cut grass, honey, citrus, asparagus, and (some say) the sweetness of rain on the wind just before the water falls. Quite spectacular… Here is our best Mezcal Margarita recipe to try at home.
Mezcal Margarita Recipe
PREP TIME 2 min
QUICK TIPS
INSTRUCTIONS
01
1.
Add the mezcal, orange liqueur, lime juice, and agave syrup to a cocktail shaker filled with ice, and shake until well chilled
02
2.
Strain into a rocks glass over fresh ice
03
3.
Place the salt in a saucer, wet the rim of the glass, and dip it to salt the rim
04
4.
Garnish with a lime wheel, and serve
What makes a Mezcal Margarita so special?
Mezcal cocktails are having a moment right now, and with good reason. While both tequila and mezcal are made with the agave plant, these popular Mexican drinks are crafted differently, resulting in entirely different flavors. By adding a great mezcal like Montelobos Espadín to this time-honored drink, you can turn it into something smoky, delicious, and a little boujee to boot.
Amazing variations of the Mezcal Margarita to DIY
Once you’ve discovered the joys of shaking up a Margarita cocktail, we can almost guarantee that you will want to put your own spin on it eventually. Here are a few recipes to play around with when you do:
Spicy Mezcal Margarita recipe. Like things hot? Whip up an easy-peasy Jalapeño Mezcal Margarita recipe. All you need to do is add some freshly sliced jalapeños to the cocktail shaker when you mix up the rest of the ingredients to impart a kiss of spice.
Frozen Mezcal Margarita recipe. Mezcal Margarita recipes are very easy to adapt if you like a slushie texture. You simply add all the ingredients to a blender with some extra ice and pulse it until you achieve the level of cool, frostiness you prefer.
Skinny Mezcal Margarita recipe. The best Margarita recipe with mezcal for folks who are trying to keep things lean is the skinny version of this popular drink. Simply leave out the agave syrup to bring down the caloric value of the cocktail. You could also use orange extract instead of orange liqueur.
Orange Mezcal Margarita recipe. If you love the sweetly tart notes of orange in this Margarita recipe with mezcal, you could add orange juice instead of lime juice. Technically, this swap would inch your drink out of the ‘official’ Margarita category, but it will be delicious nonetheless.
More zesty goodness: 8 Orange Liqueur Cocktails That Zest the Best
Ideal occasions to serve a Mezcal Margarita
Our smoky Mezcal Margarita recipe is so good that we tend to serve it up at just about any shindig you can name, but there are a few occasions that really call for this level of suaveness. This includes:
Mexican parties. It kind of goes without saying that a Mexican-themed party isn’t exactly a Mexican party without some Margaritas in the mix. Serve it up with some mini tacos, ceviche, and churros for dessert, and you’ve got yourself the makings of a really tasty time.
Birthday parties. Bubbly, wine, and beer are all good and well, but every birthday celebration needs a signature cocktail – especially if you are throwing a surprise party and want to push out the boat to treat the birthday human to something extra special.
Why mezcal has become so popular in cocktails
Mezcal’s growing popularity in cocktails can be attributed to its unique production process. Unlike tequila, which is steamed in ovens, mezcal is made by roasting agave hearts in underground pits, giving it an earthy flavor that stands out. This complex profile makes mezcal a favorite for those seeking a bold and layered drinking experience. It has also found favor among craft cocktail enthusiasts who appreciate the artisanal methods of its production.
Also see: Mexican Independence Day Festivities with Montelobos Mezcal: Cocktails, Culture, and More
How to choose the best mezcal for your Margarita
When selecting a mezcal for your Mezcal Margarita, opt for a well-balanced option like Montelobos Espadín, which provides the perfect mix of agave richness and earthiness. Avoid mezcal that is too harsh or overpowering, as it can drown out the other flavors in your cocktail. Instead, choose something that complements the citrus and agave without overwhelming your drink.
Learn more: What’s the Difference Between Mezcal and Tequila?
Dishes to pair with a Mezcal Margarita
Elevate your Mezcal Margarita experience by pairing it with the right foods:
- Tacos al pastor: The smokiness of mezcal complements the grilled pork and pineapple flavors in tacos al pastor, making it a match made in heaven.
- Elotes: Grilled corn slathered in mayo, cheese, and chili is a fantastic pairing with the zesty and smoky notes of a Mezcal Margarita.
- Grilled shrimp skewers: The charred, savory taste of grilled shrimp works beautifully with the earthy mezcal.
- Churros with chocolate sauce: End your meal on a sweet note by pairing a Mezcal Margarita with warm churros dipped in chocolate – the smoky drink cuts through the richness of the dessert.
Other classy clinkers to try if you love a Mezcal Margarita
If the earthy notes of a Mezcal Margarita have you hooked, here are a few other drinks you should explore:
- Mezcal Old Fashioned: This twist on the classic Old Fashioned swaps bourbon for mezcal, making for a rich, smoke-laced sip.
- Oaxacan Negroni: Trade gin for mezcal in this cocktail for an earthy version of the Negroni. Try it with Bulldog Gin for another twist on the classic!
- Mezcal Paloma: Mezcal adds depth to the light and zesty Paloma, making it an excellent choice for mezcal lovers.
- Mezcal Bloody Mary: Add mezcal to your Bloody Mary for a brunch cocktail with an exciting twist. The smoky heat pairs perfectly with tomato juice and spices.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Mezcal mixes well with just about anything tequila does. It's an easy substitution to make, and takes a Margarita into a very interesting flavor space. This is especially true when you use a high-quality mezcal like Montelobos Espadín that strikes the perfect balance between green agave, cooked agave, smoke, and wild fermentation.
When added to a Margarita, mezcal adds savory and smoky notes that bring to mind freshly cut grass, honey, citrus, asparagus, and (some say) the sweetness of rain on the wind just before the water falls.
The traditional glass for a Mezcal Margarita is a rocks glass, also known as an Old Fashioned glass. Its wide brim makes it easy to salt the rim and provides plenty of space for the ice, giving your cocktail room to shine.
