Classic Cocktails & Drinks With A Funky Twist

Mezcal Margarita

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Posted: 10/28/22

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This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy

A smokey cousin to the classic margarita, this Mezcal Margarita recipe is one you definitely have to try. Easy to make and packed with a unique flavor and boozy punch, this margarita will take you on an adventure with each delicious sip.

Photo of two glasses of Mezcal Margaritas garnished with salted rims and lime wedges. A bottle of mezcal sits on the counter in the background.

If you love our classic Margarita and are not sure how to drink mezcal, this cocktail is for you! Made with agave-based mezcal, tart lime juice, citrus liqueur, and just sweet enough simple syrup, this smokey cocktail is a must-try for all margarita lovers. Made with only four ingredients and loaded with signature flavor, this mezcal margarita recipe is one that you want to tell your friends about.

Ingredients for a Mezcal Margarita

  • Mezcal: A smokey, distilled alcohol made from agave.
  • Cointreau: A high-end orange liqueur. Triple Sec is another option for this recipe, also used in the refreshing Banana Daiquiri.
  • Lime juice: Fresh is always best for cocktail recipes, but bottled is fine if that’s what you have on hand.
  • Simple syrup (optional): The perfect way to add a touch of sweetness to this margarita, making homemade simple syrup is so easy and can be used in tons of other recipes.
  • Lime and salt for garnish (optional)
Photo of man's hand pouring Mezcal Margarita from a shaker into a glass with ice and a salted rim. Lime wedges and a bottle of mezcal sit on the counter in the background.

What is Mezcal

Mezcal means “oven-cooked agave” and is roasted in underground pits (cool, right?!). It is a distilled alcoholic beverage that gives this margarita its smokey, fruity, earthy flavor.

How to Make Mezcal Margaritas

  • Add the mezcal, Cointreau, lime juice, and simple syrup (if you are using it) to a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
  • Shake well then strain into a salt-rimmed glass. See how to salt your glass below.
  • Garnish with a lime wedge and enjoy!
Photo of man's hand pouring Mezcal Margarita from a shaker into a glass with ice and a salted rim. Lime wedges sit on the counter beside the glass.

Mezcal vs Tequila

The difference between mezcal and tequila lies in how they each are produced. Tequila is made from agave steamed in ovens, while mezcal is made from agave roasted in underground pits, which is where the signature smokey flavor in Mezcal cocktails comes from.

How to Salt a Rim

Like most margaritas, a salted rim really helps seal the deal for Mezcal Margaritas. To salt the rim of your glass, run a lime wedge around the top of the glass. Then, dip the rim of the glass in a shallow plate of kosher salt. Prepare your glass(es) prior to making your margaritas.

Photo of two glasses of Mezcal Margaritas garnished with salted rims and lime wedges.

How to Serve Mezcal Margaritas

This Mezcal Margarita is served in a glass over ice. A salted rim and lime wedge are optional for garnish, but really compliment the flavor of the cocktail. Serve immediately after mixing.

Other Margarita Recipes

Photo of two glasses of Mezcal Margaritas garnished with salted rims and lime wedges. A bottle of mezcal sits on the counter in the background.
Photo of two glasses of Mezcal Margaritas garnished with salted rims and lime wedges. A bottle of mezcal sits on the counter in the background.
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Mezcal Margarita

Serves: 1 drink
(tap # to scale)
Prep: 3 minutes
Total: 3 minutes
A smokey cousin the the classic margarita, this Mezcal Margarita recipe is one you definitely have to try.

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 ounces Mezcal
  • 1 ounce Cointreau or triple sec
  • 3/4 ounce lime juice
  • 1/2 ounce simple syrup optional
  • salt for glass optional
  • lime wedges optional

Instructions

  • Rim your glass with salt.
  • In an ice filled shaker mix together the mezcal, Cointreau and lime juice. (Also simple syrup if you are using it)
  • Strain into an ice filled glass.
  • Garnish with a lime wedge and enjoy!
Author: Nathan Longley
Course: Drinks
Photo of two glasses of Mezcal Margaritas garnished with salted rims and lime wedges. A bottle of mezcal sits on the counter in the background.

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Mezcal Margarita

I’d love to see what you made! Tag me @shakedrinkrpt and hashtag it #shakedrinkrepeat!

Nathan Longley has been his wife’s personal bar tender for as long as he can remember. While he most often enjoys a cold beer, he is known to love our vodka gimlet.

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