Mezcal Margarita
A smoky and citrus mezcal cocktail ∙ Shake ∙ 3 min ∙ 20.5% ABV ∙
The Mezcal Margarita is a Margarita made with mezcal instead of tequila, shaken with triple sec, lime juice and a little agave syrup and served up.
Ingredients
1
Servings
Garnish
Instructions for 1 serving
- Pre-chill a glass
- Shake all ingredients with ice: Mezcal 45 mlTriple sec 20 mlLime juice 20 mlAgave syrup 5 mlOrange bitters 1 dash (opt.)
- Fine strain into the chilled glass
- Express a lime twist over the cocktail and discard
- Garnish with a lime wedge
Tips
- A joven (unaged) mezcal gives you the smoke without the extra weight an aged bottle brings.
History
The Mezcal Margarita has no single documented creator. It emerged as bartenders began substituting mezcal for tequila in the classic Margarita as the smoky spirit gained popularity in craft cocktail bars from the 2000s onward. The Margarita itself is generally traced to Mexico in the 1930s–40s, though its exact origin is disputed among several claimants.
FAQ
How do you make a Mezcal Margarita?
Shake mezcal, triple sec, lime juice, agave syrup and an optional dash of orange bitters with ice, then fine-strain into a pre-chilled cocktail glass. Express a lime twist over the top and discard it, then garnish with a lime wedge.
What goes in a Mezcal Margarita?
Mezcal, triple sec, fresh lime juice and a touch of agave syrup, with an optional dash of orange bitters.
Can I use mezcal instead of tequila in a Margarita?
Yes, that swap is exactly what this drink is. Mezcal takes the tequila's place, the triple sec and lime juice stay, and a little agave syrup goes in too.
What does mezcal do to a margarita?
It makes the drink smoky. Tequila tastes cleaner and more peppery; mezcal brings smoke and an earthier agave flavor. Lime and triple sec still keep it a sour, but the finish is smokier and a little heavier than a tequila Margarita.
