Mezcal Margarita
The smoky sibling of the classic margarita. Mezcal replaces tequila to create a drink that is at once familiar and thrillingly different, with campfire complexity layered under bright citrus.
Ingredients
- 2 oz Mezcal
- 1 oz Fresh lime juice
- 0.8 oz Agave nectar
- 0.5 oz Orange liqueur (Cointreau or triple sec)
- lime wheel (garnish) garnish
- Tajin or sal de gusano rim (half rim) (garnish) garnish
Pairs With
Serve alongside charred carnitas tacos with pickled onions or ceviche with crispy tortilla chips. The mezcal's smokiness complements grilled and raw preparations while the lime-salt base balances rich or delicate proteins.
Instructions
Run a lime wedge around half the rim of a rocks glass and dip into Tajin or sal de gusano
Combine mezcal, fresh lime juice, agave nectar, and orange liqueur in a shaker
Fill with ice and shake vigorously for 15 seconds
Fill the rimmed rocks glass with fresh ice
Strain the cocktail over the ice
Garnish with a lime wheel on the rim
Tips
Use an espadín mezcal for a balanced smoke that does not overwhelm the citrus Sal de gusano (worm salt) is the traditional Mexican rim salt and adds earthy, umami depth you cannot get from regular salt For a spicier version, muddle a thin slice of jalapeño in the shaker before adding the other ingredients