Add a kick to your autumn with our straightforward Mezcal Margarita recipe! You'll enjoy the blend of Mezcal, lime juice, agave syrup, and a salty rim in this smoky drink.
Prep time:
1 minute
Mixing time:
2 minutes
Servings:
1
Calories:
237
Ingredients
- 1½ oz Mezcal
- ½ oz orange liqueur
- 1 oz fresh lime juice
- 1 oz agave syrup
- Salt - for rimming the glass, optional
- Lime wheel - for garnish, optional
Equipment
- Cocktail Shaker
- Measuring Jigger
- Margarita Glass
- Strainer & Fine-strainer
Instructions
- Chill Glass: Ice up your margarita glass and set it aside.
- Combine Ingredients: In your cocktail shaker, pour 1 oz agave syrup, 1 oz fresh lime juice, ½ oz orange liqueur, and 1½ oz Mezcal.
- Rim Glass: If you like a salted rim, run a lime wedge around the edge of your glass and dip it into salt.
- Shake: Fill your shaker with ice and give everything a good shake until well combined and chilled.
- Pour: Fine strain the mixture into your prepared margarita glass.
- Garnish: Add a lime wheel for garnish.
Notes
Substitutes:
- Mezcal: If you don't have Mezcal, tequila is a great substitute. It's similar to Mezcal but less smoky.
- Orange liqueur: if you are out of any orange liqueur opt for an orange flavored syrup or a dash of orange essence.
- Fresh Lime Juice: I've used bottled lime juice in a pinch. It's less fresh-tasting, but it does the job.
- Agave Syrup: Honey or simple syrup can be used instead of agave syrup if needed.
Making a Pitcher of Mezcal Margarita:
- Scale: To make a pitcher that serves 8, multiply all the ingredients by 8. That would be 12 oz of Mezcal, 4 oz of orange liqueur, 8 oz of fresh lime juice, and 8 oz of agave syrup.
- Mix: Combine the Mezcal, orange liqueur, fresh lime juice, and agave syrup in a large pitcher with ice and stir well.
- Serve: Strain the mixture into individual salt-rimmed margarita glasses, garnish with a lime wheel, and serve immediately.
Making it Non-Alcoholic:
- Mezcal Substitute: Use a non-alcoholic spirit with a smoky flavor profile to mimic the Mezcal.
- Orange liqueur: Use a non-alcoholic orange flavored syrup.Â
- Proceed As Usual: Use this non-alcoholic substitute instead of the Mezcal, follow the original steps, and enjoy a non-alcoholic version.
Making it Vegan:
- Agave Syrup: Ensure your agave syrup is organic and labeled as vegan. Some brands process their syrup using animal-derived products. Alternatively, use a vegan-friendly simple syrup.
- Proceed As Usual: With your vegan-friendly sweetener, follow the original steps to enjoy a delicious vegan Mezcal Margarita.
What is a Mezcal Margarita?
A Mezcal Margarita is a smoky, citrusy cocktail made of Mezcal, lime juice, orange liqueur, and agave syrup. It’s relatively easy to make if you have the ingredients and a basic understanding of mixing cocktails. This drink is a variant of the well-known Margarita, with the critical difference being the use of Mezcal instead of tequila. The substitution gives it a distinctive smoky flavor that differentiates it from its more famous cousin.
What is a Mezcal Margarita made of – The ingredients
A Mezcal Margarita requires these specific ingredients:
- Mezcal: This is the cocktail’s base spirit, providing a smoky and earthy flavor that distinguishes Mezcal Margarita from other margaritas.
- Lime Juice: Adds a tangy citrus note, balancing the sweetness and enhancing the overall flavor profile.
- Agave Nectar: This natural sweetener complements the smokiness of Mezcal, adding depth and complexity to the drink.
- Orange Liqueur: Introduces a hint of orange flavor, adding another layer of citrus to complement the lime juice and balance the smoky Mezcal.
- Salt (for rim): Enhances all other flavors in the cocktail and provides a savory contrast to the sweet and sour elements.
- Ice: Chills the cocktail, making it more refreshing and diluting the intense flavors just enough to make them palatable.
