Mezcal Margarita
Smoky, bright, and refreshing, this Mezcal Margarita pairs smooth mezcal, fresh lime juice, and agave nectar over ice with a salty (or chili-salt) rim. A simple, craft-style cocktail that feels like a tiny vacation in a glass.
Ingredients
- 2 oz mezcal 100% agave joven; choose a balanced or fruity & smoky style
- 1 oz fresh lime juice about 1 medium lime, freshly squeezed
- 1/2–3/4 oz agave nectar start with 1/2 oz for tarter, add up to 3/4 oz for more sweetness
- 1/2 oz orange liqueur optional; Cointreau, Triple Sec, or Grand Marnier
- ice for shaking and serving; use large cubes if possible
- coarse salt for rimming the glass; kosher or margarita salt
- lime wedge or wheel for rimming the glass and garnish
- 1/2 tsp chili powder or Tajín optional, for a spicy-salty rim
- smoked paprika optional pinch for extra smoky flavor in the rim or drink
- 1/2 oz tequila optional; replace 1/2 oz of mezcal for a lighter, hybrid margarita
Instructions
- Run a lime wedge around the outer rim of a rocks glass. Spread coarse salt (or a mix of salt and chili powder/Tajín) on a small plate. Roll the rim of the glass in the salt mixture to coat lightly, then tap off any excess.coarse salt, lime wedge or wheel, 1/2 tsp chili powder or Tajín
- Place the rimmed glass in the refrigerator or freezer while you mix the drink to help keep the cocktail extra cold.
- Fill a cocktail shaker halfway with ice. Add the mezcal, fresh lime juice, agave nectar, and orange liqueur if using. For a lighter hybrid version, replace 1/2 oz of mezcal with 1/2 oz tequila.2 oz mezcal, 1 oz fresh lime juice, 1/2–3/4 oz agave nectar, 1/2 oz orange liqueur, ice, 1/2 oz tequila
- Stir the mixture briefly with a spoon and taste a drop. If it is too tart, add a bit more agave nectar. If it tastes too strong, add a small splash of cold water; remember that shaking with ice will also dilute it slightly.1/2–3/4 oz agave nectar
- Seal the shaker and shake vigorously for 15–20 seconds, until the outside of the shaker feels very cold and slightly frosty. This chills, dilutes, and aerates the drink.ice
- Remove the rimmed glass from the fridge or freezer and fill it with fresh ice cubes. Do not reuse the ice from the shaker, as it will be partially melted.ice
- Strain the mezcal margarita into the prepared glass over the fresh ice. Garnish with a lime wheel or wedge. If desired, add a tiny pinch of chili powder, Tajín, or smoked paprika on top for extra aroma. Sip slowly and enjoy.lime wedge or wheel, 1/2 tsp chili powder or Tajín, smoked paprika
Notes
Balance between smoky, sour, and sweet is key—taste and tweak the lime and agave until it feels right to you. Always use freshly squeezed lime juice for the brightest flavor. A mid-range, good-quality mezcal will give a smoother, more complex drink than very cheap bottles. Larger, clearer ice cubes melt more slowly and prevent over-dilution. For a half-salt rim, only salt one side of the glass so each sip can be salty or clean. This cocktail pairs beautifully with grilled foods, tacos, guacamole, and smoky salsas.
Nutrition
Calories: 200kcal
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