Have you ever had one of those days where the sun just seems a little too bright, and you’re craving something that matches your fiery mood? That’s when I reach for this Spicy Mezcal Margarita—it’s like bottled sunshine with a kick. The smoky mezcal mingling with zesty lime and a chili bite, it’s a dance of flavors that’s both unexpected and satisfying, kind of like that plot twist in your favorite book that you didn’t see coming but absolutely loved.
Steps
- Begin by preparing the glass. Run a slice of lime around the rim, then dip it into a shallow bowl filled with salt to coat the edge. Set the glass aside.
- In a cocktail shaker, combine mezcal, lime juice, and Cointreau. Shake or stir the mixture until it is well-blended. Taste the mixture and add agave nectar or simple syrup if you prefer a sweeter drink.
- Fill the prepared glass with ice cubes. Pour the mezcal margarita mix over the ice. Serve right away, garnished with a lime wedge if you like.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ ounces mezcal
- 1 ounce Cointreau (or any orange liqueur)
- ¾ ounce freshly-squeezed lime juice
- Optional: agave nectar or simple syrup for sweetening, if desired
- Ice
- Optional: lime wedge and salt for rimming the glass
FAQ
- What is mezcal, and how does it differ from tequila?
- Mezcal is a spirit considered the “cousin” of tequila. Both are made from the blue agave plant, but mezcal is typically produced in Oaxaca and uses agave that is smoked in pits with hot rocks, giving it a smoky and earthy flavor compared to tequila.
- How can I make a mezcal margarita?
- To make a mezcal margarita, combine 1½ ounces of mezcal, 1 ounce of Cointreau (or another orange liqueur), and ¾ ounce of freshly-squeezed lime juice in a cocktail shaker. For added sweetness, you can mix in agave nectar or simple syrup. Shake well, serve over ice, and garnish with a lime wedge and salt-rimmed glass if desired.
- What are some variations of the mezcal margarita?
- If you prefer a less smoky flavor or want to make your mezcal last longer, try a half-tequila, half-mezcal version. This blend offers a milder smoky taste and is a great introduction for those new to mezcal.
- Why is mezcal more expensive than tequila?
- Mezcal tends to be pricier because of its unique production process, which often involves more manual and traditional methods, as well as the distinct smoking process that imparts its signature flavor.
- Can I use other sweeteners besides agave nectar in a mezcal margarita?
- Yes, you can use simple syrup or any preferred sweetener to adjust the sweetness of your mezcal margarita to your liking.
Tips
- If you’re new to mezcal, consider starting with a half-tequila, half-mezcal margarita to ease into the smoky flavor and to make your mezcal last longer, as it tends to be more expensive than tequila.
- For a perfectly salted rim, run a lime slice around the glass rim before dipping it in salt. This ensures the salt will adhere evenly and enhances the cocktail’s overall flavor.
- Taste your margarita before serving, and adjust the sweetness to your liking by adding agave nectar or simple syrup gradually. This allows you to customize the drink to suit your personal preference.
- Enjoy your mezcal margarita slowly, savoring its smoky notes similar to how you would sip a fine scotch, rather than drinking it quickly like a traditional tequila margarita.
Equipment
- Cocktail shaker
- Citrus juicer (for freshly-squeezed lime juice)
- Shallow bowl (specifically for rimming the glass with salt, if not already owned for other purposes)
