Ready to shake things up? This Spicy & Smoky Mezcal Margarita recipe offers a twist on the classic margarita. With its bold smoky flavor and the zesty kick of fresh lime juice, it’s a cocktail that packs a punch.

The secret to its vibrant taste lies in the blend of spices and the unmistakable char of mezcal. Each sip is perfectly balanced with heat and a hint of salt, thanks to the chili powder rim and lime

Perfect for an evening with friends, a relaxing afternoon, or a Cinco de Mayo celebration, this spicy mezcal margarita isn’t just a drink, it’s an experience!

Ingredients you’ll need for this Spicy Margarita

You’ll need just a handful of ingredients for this simple recipe:

• Chili Powder. Putting chili powder on the rim of the glass gives a spicy kick right when you take a sip. It prepares you for the spicy flavors in the drink and makes it look and feel more exciting.
• Mezcal. This is the star of the show in the drink and it’s known for its deep smoky taste. This smokiness mixes well with the spicy flavors, making the drink rich and interesting.
• Triple Sec or Orange Liqueur. This adds a citrusy sweetness which lights up the whole drink. It works well with the lime to make the drink taste fresher, while also smoothing out the smoky and spicy flavors with a hint of orange.
• Fresh Lime Juice. A must in margaritas, lime juice brings a tart and fresh flavor that helps balance the strong flavors of smoke and sweetness. It makes the drink feel more refreshing. I strongly suggest using fresh-squeezed lime juice rather than the store-bought kind, it makes a great difference!
• Agave Syrup. This sweetener comes from the same plant as mezcal. It helps soften the sharpness of the lime and the heat from the peppers, making the drink sweeter and smoother.
• Jalapeño Peppers. These peppers are crucial for the heat in your margarita. You can mix them right into the drink or use them as a decoration with some jalapeño slices. They bring a sharp, crisp spiciness that pairs really well with the smoky taste of mezcal.
  
  Take a look at the recipe card at the bottom of this post for the full recipe!

Ingredient substitutions

1. Tequila instead of Mezcal: If you switch Mezcal to Tequila, your margarita will lose some of its smoky spin. Tequila tends to be lighter and less complex, so your drink might taste smoother. It’s a good choice if you prefer a simpler flavor.
2. Grand Marnier instead of Triple Sec or Orange Liquor: Swapping to Grand Marnier adds a richer orange flavor with hints of vanilla. It’s an option that gives your drink more depth and complexity.
3. Simple Syrup instead of Agave Syrup: Using simple syrup means your drink will be less sweet and a bit simpler in taste. Agave syrup has its own unique flavor that complements the smokiness of mezcal, while simple syrup is more plain. However, it still balances out the tartness and spice well.
4. Plain Salted Rim instead of Spicy Salt Rim (like Tajín): Choosing a coarse salt rim keeps things more traditional, like with a regular margarita. It adds a bit of savory flavor to every sip without any extra spice or tang.
5. Serrano Peppers instead of Fresh Jalapeños: Serrano peppers pack more heat than jalapeños, so your drink will be spicier. It’s a great choice if you’re looking for an extra bit of heat in your margarita.
6. Fresh Pineapple Juice instead of Lime Juice: If you go for a pineapple margarita swap, using fresh pineapple juice instead of lime juice brings a whole new tropical twist to your drink. It replaces the tanginess of lime with a sweeter, fruitier flavor.
7. Fresh Orange Juice or grapefruit juice instead of Lime Juice: Opting for orange or grapefruit juice introduces a sweeter, citrusy twist to your margarita. It replaces the sharpness of lime with a smoother, more rounded flavor profile.

With these swaps, you can customize your Spicy & Smoky Mezcal Margarita to match your taste preferences and create a unique cocktail flavor.

How to make the perfect mezcal margarita

Start by preparing the spicy rim. Sprinkle chili powder on a small plate, then moisten the rim of a glass with lime. Dip the glass wet rim into the chili powder and rotate it until the rim is fully coated.

Next, fill the glass with ice cubes and pour in 2 full ounces of mezcal, the orange liqueur or triple sec, lime juice, and agave syrup. Mix well.

Garnish with fresh jalapeno or jalapeño slices, a lime wedge, and optionally, finish off with a sprig of rosemary for an extra touch of flavor and aroma. Cheers to your spicy and smoky mezcal margarita!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Mezcal?

Mezcal, a Mexican drink made from the core of the Agave plant or “Piña,” is mainly produced in Oaxaca, Mexico.

Although some confuse Mezcal with Tequila, they have key differences:

• Tequila comes from Blue Agave and follows a strict process, while Mezcal can be made from various Agave types.
• Tequila’s Agave is steamed, but Mezcal’s is roasted in pits, giving it a unique smoky flavor.
• Tequila is typically distilled in copper pots, while Mezcal often uses clay pots.

I picked Mezcal for this cocktail because I enjoy its smoky flavor when mixed with other ingredients. However, you can easily swap it for Tequila and still get a similar result.

What is Spicy Margarita made of?

The Spicy Margarita is a fiery take on the classic cocktail, and you can use either Mezcal or Tequila. This recipe opts for Mezcal, giving it that smoky edge. 

Along with that, you’ll need fresh lime juice, orange liqueur (like Triple Sec or Grand Marnier), agave syrup for sweetness, and slices of jalapeño peppers for the heat. To finish it off, a spicy salt rim made with chili powder adds an extra kick. 

It’s a bold and exciting twist on a beloved drink, perfect for those who like a bit of heat in their cocktails!

Is Mezcal good for Margaritas?

Mezcal is a delicious option for Margaritas. It offers a different flavor compared to the traditional Margarita, adding an exciting twist to the classic cocktail.

Mezcal’s subtle smokiness brings a unique element to the drink, making it a fun cocktail option for anyone looking to shake things up. 

Follow this link if you’re looking for more Drink recipes, or click the links below for some Cinco de Mayo inspiration:

If you make this recipe, please be sure to give it a star rating and leave a comment!

Follow me on Instagram and tag #sweetfixbaker to see all the recipes you make!