Italian Mezcal Margarita

Name: Italian Mezcal Margarita
Prep time: 3 min
Total time: 3 min
Yield: 1 serving
Cuisine: European
Ingredients: Tequila reposado — 30 ml (1 oz); Amaretto liqueur — 20 ml (2/3 oz); Mezcal — 15 ml (1/2 oz); Triple sec — 10 ml (1/3 oz); Lime juice (freshly squeezed) — 10 ml (1/3 oz); Lemon juice (freshly squeezed) — 10 ml (1/3 oz); Tonka bitters (opt.) — 2 dashes; Saline solution (opt.) — 2 dashes

Shake ∙ 3 min ∙ 19.9% ABV ∙

The Italian Mezcal Margarita adds smoky mezcal and almond-rich amaretto to tequila, triple sec and citrus.

Ingredients

Servings

Garnish

Lime wedge

Instructions for 1 serving

Pre-chill a glass
Shake all ingredients with ice: Tequila reposado 30 mlAmaretto liqueur 20 mlMezcal 15 mlTriple sec 10 mlLime juice 10 mlLemon juice 10 mlTonka bitters 2 dashes (opt.)Saline solution 2 dashes (opt.)
Fine strain into the chilled glass
Garnish with a lime wedge

Tips

Keep the mezcal to 15 ml; that's enough smoke behind the tequila without burying the amaretto.
If you use the saline, the 2 dashes go in before shaking; they take the sharp edge off the citrus.
The tonka bitters are optional; 2 dashes push the amaretto's almond flavor further without making the drink sweeter.

History

The Italian Mezcal Margarita adds mezcal to the Italian Margarita, a Margarita variation that swaps in amaretto, an Italian almond liqueur, for part of the usual orange liqueur. The mezcal brings a smokier, earthier character while keeping the drink within the Margarita family.

FAQ

What is an Italian Mezcal Margarita made of?

Reposado tequila (30 ml), amaretto (20 ml), mezcal (15 ml), and triple sec (10 ml), with 10 ml each of fresh lime and lemon juice. Tonka bitters and saline solution are optional.

What makes an Italian Margarita different?

An Italian Margarita swaps some of the orange liqueur in a classic Margarita for amaretto, an Italian almond liqueur, which adds a nutty, marzipan-like sweetness. This mezcal version goes further, splitting the base between tequila and smoky mezcal.

What does mezcal do to a Margarita?

Mezcal adds smoke and an earthy, savory depth from the roasted agave it is made from, something tequila alone does not have. Here that smoke contrasts with the sweet almond of the amaretto.

Is an Italian Mezcal Margarita shaken or stirred?

Shaken. The two citrus juices need a hard shake with ice to chill, dilute, and aerate before the drink is fine-strained.

What glass is an Italian Mezcal Margarita served in?

A chilled coupe, served up without ice and garnished with a lime wedge.