Name: Mezcal Margaritas Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Yield: 1
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1½ oz mezcal; 1 oz Cointreau; ¾ oz freshly-squeezed lime juice; agave nectar or simple syrup; ice; lime wedge and salt

For those looking to add a smoky twist to a classic cocktail, this mezcal margarita is the perfect choice. The combination of mezcal, cointreau, and freshly squeezed lime juice creates a vibrant and refreshing drink that's ideal for any occasion.

Photos of Mezcal Margaritas Recipe

Mezcal, unlike traditional tequila, has a distinct smoky flavor that sets it apart. This might not be a staple in everyone's liquor cabinet. When heading to the supermarket, look for a quality bottle of mezcal in the spirits section. Additionally, cointreau is an orange-flavored liqueur that might be less common but is essential for giving the margarita its signature citrusy depth.

Ingredients for Mezcal Margaritas Recipe

mezcal: A smoky, distilled alcoholic beverage made from agave, giving the margarita its unique flavor.

cointreau: An orange-flavored liqueur that brings a sweet and citrusy note to the drink.

freshly-squeezed lime juice: Provides the essential tart and refreshing base for the margarita.

agave nectar: A natural sweetener derived from the agave plant, used to balance the drink's tartness.

simple syrup: A mixture of sugar and water used as an alternative sweetener to agave nectar.

ice: Essential for chilling the margarita and providing a refreshing experience.

lime wedge: Used for garnishing and rimming the glass with salt.

salt: Enhances the flavors of the margarita when used to rim the glass.

One reader, Augustina Redd says:

This mezcal margaritas recipe is fantastic! The smoky mezcal pairs perfectly with the tangy lime and sweet cointreau. The salt rim adds a great touch. It's easy to make and absolutely delicious. Perfect for any occasion!

Augustina Redd

Techniques Required for Making Mezcal Margaritas

How to rim a glass with salt: Run a lime slice around the top rim of a glass, then dip the rim in a shallow bowl of salt until it is covered with the desired amount of salt.

How to use a cocktail shaker: Add mezcal, lime juice, and cointreau to a cocktail shaker, then shake or stir until combined.

How to sweeten a cocktail: Stir in a half teaspoon of agave nectar or simple syrup until the mix reaches the desired level of sweetness.

Mezcal margarita is an impressive way to spruce up your margarita routine. At first, I was a bit skeptical about trying this cocktail. You see, tequila margarita has always been my personal favorite. I can’t help but wonder: can you use mezcal instead of tequila in your margarita? Will it taste just as good? After just one sip of this cocktail with mezcal, all my questions were answered. Let’s just say I was blown away by this margarita drink!

Mezcal margarita is both refreshing and smoky. That’s because mezcal, deemed the smoky-flavored cousin of tequila, lends a strong smoky taste to cocktails. Simply put, the classic margarita recipe just gets revamped with a smoky spin that’s almost effortless to make. And it’s probably the best margarita variation and one of the best mezcal cocktails I’ve ever tried!

For my mezcal margarita recipe, I used the basic ingredients like orange liqueur and lime juice. I prefer using Cointreau for my homemade drink, but feel free to use any brand you like. Seriously, the taste of mezcal just mingles harmoniously with the tart lime juice and bitter-sweet Cointreau. Combined, they create one of the best mezcal cocktail recipes for happy hours!

Curious how to make margaritas with mezcal? It’s easy. I simply combined the mezcal, lime juice, and Cointreau into the cocktail shaker. While the agave syrup is optional, I highly suggest that you add even just a tiny bit after shaking up the ingredients. And don’t forget to salt the rim! When sweetened with the syrup and served with a salted rim, I found each sip of this mezcal margarita cocktail sublime.

Here’s my verdict: if you have a bottle of mezcal in your bar and you love margaritas, I highly recommend this homemade margarita recipe. I think you’ll love it! You can also spice it up by adding a few slices of jalapenos when you mix the drink. I’m telling you, spicy mezcal margarita hits the perfect balance of smoky, sweet, and hot. For serving, cut a lemon wedge and hang it over the edge of the glass.

Cheers!

How To Make Mezcal Margaritas

Jazz up your favorite margarita cocktail with this mezcal margarita recipe. Mezcal margaritas are tart and sweet with hints of smoky notes.

Preparation: 5 minutes

Cooking:

Total: 5 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

For the salt rim:

lime wedge, for rimming the glass, optional
salt, for rimming the glass, optional

For the cocktail:

1½ oz mezcal
1 oz Cointreau, (or any orange liqueur)
¾ oz lime juice, freshly-squeezed
½ tsp agave nectar, for sweetening, optional (or simple syrup)
ice

Instructions

Salt rim:

Run a lime wedge around the rim of a glass until wet with juice.
Fill a shallow bowl with salt.
Then, dip the rim until covered with the desired amount of salt. Set aside.

Cocktail:

Add mezcal, lime juice, and Cointreau to a cocktail shaker.
Shake or stir until combined.
Taste and then stir in the agave or simple syrup until the mix reaches the desired level of sweetness.
Fill the salt-rimmed glass with ice.
Pour in the margarita mixture over the rocks.
Garnish with an extra lime wedge if desired.
Serve immediately and enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 171.55kcal
Protein: 0.15g

Pro Tip for Elevating Your Mezcal Margaritas

When shaking the mezcal, lime juice, and cointreau in the cocktail shaker, make sure to shake vigorously for at least 15 seconds. This not only chills the mixture thoroughly but also helps to aerate the drink, giving it a smoother texture and more balanced flavor.

Time-Saving Tips for Preparing Mezcal Margaritas

Pre-squeeze lime juice: Squeeze and store lime juice in the fridge ahead of time to save minutes during preparation.

Use a cocktail shaker: Shaking the mezcal, cointreau, and lime juice together ensures a quick and well-mixed drink.

Pre-salt the rims: Salt the rims of your glasses in advance and store them in the fridge to save time when guests arrive.

Batch your margaritas: Mix larger quantities of the margarita mixture and store it in a pitcher, so you can pour and serve quickly.

Chill your glasses: Keep your glasses in the freezer to ensure your mezcal margaritas stay cold longer without needing extra ice.

Substitute Ingredients For Mezcal Margaritas Recipe

mezcal - Substitute with tequila: Tequila has a similar base flavor but lacks the smoky notes of mezcal. For a closer match, use a reposado or añejo tequila.
cointreau - Substitute with triple sec: Triple sec is another orange liqueur that provides a similar citrus flavor, though it may be slightly less complex.
freshly-squeezed lime juice - Substitute with bottled lime juice: While not as fresh, bottled lime juice can still provide the necessary acidity and flavor.
agave nectar - Substitute with honey syrup: Honey syrup (honey mixed with water) offers a similar sweetness and viscosity, though it has a different flavor profile.
ice - Substitute with crushed ice: Crushed ice can chill the drink faster and provide a different texture, though it may dilute the drink more quickly.
lime wedge - Substitute with lemon wedge: A lemon wedge can provide a similar citrus garnish, though it will have a slightly different flavor.
salt - Substitute with sugar: Sugar can be used to rim the glass for a sweeter contrast to the drink's acidity, offering a different but pleasant experience.

Presenting Your Mezcal Margaritas in Style

Use premium glassware: Select elegant, crystal-clear glasses to elevate the presentation of your mezcal margaritas. The clarity and quality of the glass will enhance the visual appeal.
Salt rim with finesse: For a refined touch, use a fine sea salt to rim the glasses. Ensure the salt is evenly distributed and not clumped, creating a delicate and sophisticated look.
Perfect the lime wedge garnish: Cut the lime wedge with precision, ensuring it is symmetrical and free of blemishes. Place it artfully on the rim of the glass to add a pop of color and freshness.
Chill the glassware: Before serving, chill the glasses in the freezer for a few minutes. This not only keeps the mezcal margaritas cold longer but also adds a frosty, inviting appearance.
Use clear ice cubes: Opt for large, clear ice cubes to fill the glass. Clear ice melts slower and looks more refined, preventing the drink from diluting too quickly while maintaining its aesthetic appeal.
Balance the sweetness: Taste the mezcal mixture and adjust the sweetness with agave nectar or simple syrup to achieve a perfectly balanced flavor profile. This ensures the drink is not too tart or too sweet.
Serve immediately: Pour the margarita mixture over the ice and serve immediately to ensure the drink is at its optimal temperature and freshness. This also prevents the ice from diluting the flavors.
Add a touch of flair: Consider adding a thin slice of lime or a twist of lime peel inside the glass for an extra layer of visual interest and a hint of citrus aroma.
Create a cohesive presentation: Arrange the mezcal margaritas on a stylish serving tray with a small bowl of extra lime wedges and a dish of fine salt for guests to customize their drinks further. This adds an interactive element and enhances the overall experience.

Essential Tools for Crafting the Perfect Mezcal Margarita

Cocktail shaker: Used to mix the mezcal, lime juice, and cointreau thoroughly, ensuring a well-blended margarita.
Jigger: A measuring tool to accurately measure the mezcal, cointreau, and lime juice for the perfect balance of flavors.
Citrus juicer: Essential for extracting fresh lime juice, which is a key ingredient in the margarita.
Shallow bowl: Used to hold the salt for rimming the glass, making it easy to coat the rim evenly.
Lime wedge: Utilized to moisten the rim of the glass before dipping it in salt.
Glass: The vessel in which the margarita will be served. Typically, a rocks glass or margarita glass is used.
Ice: Necessary for chilling the margarita and serving it over the rocks.
Bar spoon: Handy for stirring the cocktail if you prefer not to shake it.
Knife: Used to cut the lime for juicing and for the garnish.
Cutting board: Provides a safe surface to cut the lime.

Interesting Trivia About Mezcal Margaritas

A unique aspect of mezcal margaritas is the smoky flavor imparted by the mezcal, which is made from agave plants that are traditionally roasted in underground pits. This distinct taste sets it apart from the more commonly used tequila in margaritas.

Is Making Mezcal Margaritas at Home Cost-Effective?

The mezcal margaritas recipe is relatively cost-effective for a household. The primary ingredients—mezcal, cointreau, and lime juice—are not overly expensive, especially when considering the small quantities used per serving. Agave nectar or simple syrup is also affordable. For a household of 4, the approximate cost would be around $20-$25, depending on the quality of the mezcal. Overall Verdict: 8/10.

Are Mezcal Margaritas Healthy or Unhealthy?

The mezcal margarita recipe, while delicious and refreshing, is not particularly healthy. Here's why:

The main ingredients are alcohol (mezcal and cointreau), which provide empty calories and have no nutritional value. Excessive alcohol consumption can lead to various health issues.
The recipe calls for agave nectar or simple syrup, both of which are high in sugar. Consuming too much added sugar can contribute to obesity, diabetes, and other health problems.
The salt rim adds extra sodium to the drink, which can be a concern for those watching their salt intake.

However, there are a few positive aspects:

The recipe uses freshly-squeezed lime juice, which contains vitamin C and antioxidants.
The serving size is relatively small, which can help limit the overall intake of alcohol and sugar.

To make this mezcal margarita recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:

Reduce the amount of agave nectar or simple syrup, or replace it with a natural, low-calorie sweetener like stevia.
Use a higher ratio of lime juice to alcohol to increase the vitamin C content and reduce the overall alcohol content.
Opt for a lower-sodium salt or skip the salt rim altogether to reduce sodium intake.
Consider adding fresh fruit, such as muddled berries or a slice of grapefruit, to increase the nutritional value and natural sweetness of the drink.
Enjoy the margarita in moderation and alternate with water or other non-alcoholic beverages to stay hydrated.

Editor's Take on the Mezcal Margaritas Recipe

This mezcal margarita recipe is a delightful twist on the classic cocktail, offering a smoky depth from the mezcal that pairs beautifully with the citrusy brightness of lime and the orange notes of Cointreau. The option to adjust sweetness with agave nectar or simple syrup allows for a personalized touch, catering to different palates. The salt-rimmed glass adds a perfect savory contrast, enhancing the overall experience. This recipe is straightforward yet sophisticated, making it an excellent choice for both casual gatherings and more refined occasions.

Enhance Your Mezcal Margaritas Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Grilled Shrimp Tacos: Imagine the smoky allure of grilled shrimp paired with a zesty mango salsa. These tacos bring a burst of flavor that complements the earthy notes of your mezcal margarita. The shrimp is marinated in a blend of lime juice, garlic, and chili powder, then grilled to perfection. Top with a refreshing cabbage slaw for a delightful crunch.

Stuffed Poblano Peppers: These poblano peppers are stuffed with a savory mix of black beans, corn, and quinoa, then baked until tender. The mild heat of the peppers is balanced by a creamy avocado sauce drizzled on top. This dish is not only visually stunning but also a perfect match for the smoky, citrusy notes of your mezcal margarita.

Ceviche Verde: Dive into a refreshing bowl of ceviche verde, where fresh fish or shrimp is marinated in a vibrant blend of lime juice, cilantro, and green chilies. The bright, tangy flavors of the ceviche will dance on your palate, enhancing the complex taste of your mezcal margarita. Serve with tostones or tortilla chips for an added crunch.

Elote Corn Salad: Transform the classic Mexican street corn into a delightful salad. Grilled corn kernels are tossed with cotija cheese, cilantro, and a tangy lime mayo dressing. The smoky, sweet, and tangy elements of this salad will harmonize beautifully with the mezcal margarita, making each bite a fiesta of flavors.

Churros with Chocolate Sauce: End your meal on a sweet note with crispy churros dusted in cinnamon sugar. Dip these golden delights into a rich, velvety chocolate sauce for a dessert that’s both indulgent and satisfying. The sweetness of the churros and the slight bitterness of the chocolate will perfectly balance the smoky, citrusy profile of your mezcal margarita.

Delicious Alternatives to the Classic Mezcal Margarita

Classic Margarita: Transport yourself to a tropical paradise with this timeless cocktail. The classic margarita combines tequila, triple sec, and fresh lime juice for a refreshing and zesty drink. Perfect for any fiesta or a relaxing evening at home.

Paloma: Dive into the vibrant world of the Paloma, a delightful Mexican cocktail that pairs tequila with grapefruit soda. Add a splash of lime juice and a pinch of salt for a refreshing and tangy experience. Ideal for summer gatherings and barbecues.

Spicy Jalapeño Margarita: Turn up the heat with a Spicy Jalapeño Margarita. This bold cocktail infuses tequila with fresh jalapeños and lime juice. Sweeten it with a touch of agave nectar and serve over ice for a fiery twist on the classic margarita.

Blood Orange Margarita: Add a burst of color and flavor to your cocktail repertoire with a Blood Orange Margarita. This vibrant drink combines tequila, blood orange juice, and lime juice. A splash of triple sec and a salted rim make it a showstopper at any party.

Cucumber Mint Margarita: Refresh your senses with a Cucumber Mint Margarita. This invigorating cocktail blends tequila, cucumber slices, mint leaves, and lime juice. Light and crisp, it's the perfect drink for a hot summer day or a garden party.

Why trust this Mezcal Margaritas Recipe:

This mezcal margarita recipe is a must-try for cocktail enthusiasts. The combination of mezcal, cointreau, and freshly-squeezed lime juice creates a perfect balance of smoky, sweet, and tangy flavors. The addition of agave nectar or simple syrup allows you to customize the sweetness to your liking. With easy-to-follow instructions and a classic salt-rimmed glass, this recipe ensures a refreshing and authentic margarita experience. Trust this recipe for its simplicity and the quality of ingredients that guarantee a delightful drink every time.

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FAQ:

Can I use a different type of alcohol instead of mezcal?

Sure, you can use tequila if you prefer a less smoky flavor. Mezcal has a distinct smokiness that sets it apart, but tequila works just fine for a more traditional margarita taste.

How do I make the drink sweeter?

If you like your margaritas on the sweeter side, just add more agave nectar or simple syrup. Start with a half teaspoon and adjust to your taste.

Can I make this margarita ahead of time?

You can mix the mezcal, cointreau, and lime juice ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Just add ice and sweetener right before serving to keep it fresh and perfectly balanced.

What kind of salt should I use for the rim?

Coarse sea salt or kosher salt works best for rimming the glass. They stick well and add a nice texture. Avoid table salt as it's too fine and can be overly salty.

Can I make this margarita without alcohol?

Absolutely! You can make a mocktail version by replacing the mezcal and cointreau with a mix of orange juice and a splash of soda water for some fizz. Adjust the lime juice and sweetener to your taste.