Mezcal Margarita Recipe: How to Make a Mezcal Margarita

A Mezcal Margarita uses mezcal as its base liquor instead of the traditional Mexican tequila used in the classic Margarita. A Mezcal Margarita also features lime juice and orange liqueur.
The mezcal gives the cocktail a complex, smoky character that plays off the citrusy sweetness of the lime juice and orange liqueur, and enhances the savory note of the salted rim on the glass.

Mezcal is a Mexican alcoholic beverage similar to tequila that is made from the fermented juice of agave plants. Its characteristic smoky flavor is imbued before fermentation when agave piñas are cooked underground. Mezcal can be made from many varieties of agave, and mezcal producers often distinguish their products by the type of agave used.

Consider these possible substitutions and additions to a Mezcal Margarita:

1. 1. Use fresh limes. Skip the Margarita mix. Freshly squeezed lime juice is the key to making the best Margarita. Keep extra limes on hand for garnish.
2. 2. Boost the orange flavor. In addition to orange liqueur, you can add orange juice or blood orange to the mixture.
3. 3. Add some heat. As an optional way to add some spiciness, you can use slices of green jalapeño as an additional garnish.
4. 4. Go for half mezcal, half tequila. You can cut the smoky intensity of mezcal with tequila. It’s best to use a mellow reposado or a clear, clean blanco tequila.