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This mezcal margarita is a smoky spin on the classic that’s arguably better than the original. It’s refreshing and tart, yet subtly sweet, with the assertive taste of mezcal. It’s quick to make, and easily scales up to pitcher (aka party) size!

A margarita made with mezcal and a bottle of mezcal

I love the refreshingly tart bite of a classic margarita, but when I’m in the mood for something a little bolder, this mezcal margarita is what I reach for. It keeps everything I adore about the original but adds a smoky depth that makes it feel more grown-up and just a bit special.

A mezcal margarita follows the same idea as a classic version, but swapping tequila for mezcal adds that unmistakable smokiness. Mezcal is made from agave like tequila, but it’s cooked over hot rocks in underground pits, which gives it that earthy, smoky character. A touch of agave syrup smooths everything out and balances the sharp lime.

Making one couldn’t be easier. I rim the glass, mix the ingredients, pour it over ice, and finish with a lime wedge. It’s simple, striking, and proof that sometimes a small twist on a classic really does make something even better.

Two Mezcal Margaritas and a bottle of mezcal

Make a pitcher of mezcal margaritas

If you’re hosting a party or serving a crowd, instead of mixing up individual drinks, make a pitcher of mezcal margaritas. Simply use a standard pitcher and scale up the ratio by using cups instead of ounces. Pour the mixed margarita into glasses, garnish, and serve.

To save time, you can mix the ingredients in a pitcher without the ice and refrigerate until it’s party time. When you’re ready to serve, stir ice into the pitcher, then pour into an ice-filled glass rimmed with salt.

Make it a spicy mezcal margarita

If you love a bit of heat, a spicy margarita is a popular variation that’s easy to make. Simply muddle a few fresh jalapeño coins in your shaker or jar before adding the other ingredients. Finish it off by giving your glass a spicy rim using Tajín instead of margarita salt.

Smoky Mezcal Margarita Recipe

Prep: 5

Cook: 0

Total: 5

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This mezcal margarita is a smoky spin on the classic that's arguably better than the original. It's refreshing and tart, yet subtly sweet, with the assertive taste of mezcal. It's quick to make, and easily scales up to pitcher (aka party) size!

Ingredients

▢ Margarita salt (I use Tajín)
▢ 2 ounces mezcal (see notes)
▢ 1 ounce lime juice
▢ ¾ ounce agave syrup (recipe below)
▢ ½ ounce Triple Sec

Agave Simple Syrup

▢ 1 tablespoon warm water
▢ ½ tablespoon agave syrup

Instructions

Rub the rim of a glass with a cut lime, then dip it into margarita salt (I used Tajin in the pictures.) Add ice to the glass.
Margarita salt
Put a handful of ice into a cocktail mixer or jar. Add the mezcal, lime juice, agave simple syrup, and Triple Sec and stir well.
2 ounces mezcal, 1 ounce lime juice, ¾ ounce agave syrup, ½ ounce Triple Sec
Pour it into your salt-rimmed glass and garnish with a slice of lime.

Agave Simple Syrup

Mix the warm water and agave syrup in a small glass.
1 tablespoon warm water, ½ tablespoon agave syrup

Notes

Simple syrup: You can make as much agave simple syrup as you’d like by mixing 2 parts warm water with 1 part agave syrup. For example, you could use 2 cups of water and 1 cup of agave syrup. If you don’t have agave, you can use honey.

Garnish: I garnished the mezcal margaritas in the pictures with the spiky leaves from a pineapple crown.

Mezcal: I love its smoky flavor, but it can be overpowering for some. For a more gentle smoky flavor, use half tequila blanco and half mezcal.

Nutrition

Serving: 1 cocktail, Calories: 280kcal (14%), Carbohydrates: 31g (10%), Protein: 0.2g, Fat: 0.2g, Saturated Fat: 0.02g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.02g, Sodium: 4mg, Potassium: 40mg (1%), Fiber: 0.2g (1%), Sugar: 27g (30%), Vitamin A: 14IU, Vitamin C: 14mg (17%), Calcium: 4mg, Iron: 0.1mg (1%)

We have thoroughly tested this recipe for accuracy. However, individual results may vary. See our full recipe disclosure here.

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