Spicy & Smoky Mezcal Margarita Recipe
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.
Servings: drink
Equipment
- 1 old fashioned glass
- 1 small plate
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons chili powder like Tajín
- 2 ounces Mezcal
- 1 ounce orange liqueur or Triple Sec
- 2 ounces lime juice freshly squeezed. Plus one wedge for garnish
- 1 tablespoon agave syrup
- 1 medium jalapeño pepper fresh
- 1 sprig rosemary optional
Instructions
- 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.3 tablespoons chili powder
- 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.2 ounces (56.7 g) Mezcal, 1 ounce (28.3 g) orange liqueur or Triple Sec, 2 ounces (56.7 g) lime juice, 1 tablespoon agave syrup
- 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!1 medium jalapeño pepper, 1 sprig rosemary
Notes
Ingredient substitutions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
