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Mezcal Margarita

Avery Wiseman

With its combination of smoky, complex mezcal and the bright, tangy flavors of lime and agave, the mezcal margarita is a drink that's sure to delight your taste buds.

Whether you’re looking for a refreshing drink to sip on a hot summer day or a bold, flavorful cocktail to impress your guests at your next gathering, the mezcal margarita is the perfect choice.

This cocktail is also incredibly easy to make, requiring just a few simple ingredients and a cocktail shaker. The mezcal adds a distinctive twist to the classic margarita recipe, making it a sophisticated and intriguing drink that’s sure to impress. Plus, with the option to rim the glass with salt, you can customize your mezcal margarita to your preferred level of saltiness.

So why not try a mezcal margarita today and discover your new favorite cocktail? It’s the perfect combination of smoky, sweet, and sour, all in one delicious drink!

History of the Mezcal Margarita

The mezcal margarita is a variation of the classic Margarita cocktail that substitutes tequila with mezcal as the base spirit. Mezcal is a distilled alcoholic beverage made from the agave plant, much like tequila, but with a distinctive smoky flavor that comes from roasting the agave before fermentation.

The exact history of the mezcal margarita is unclear, but it is believed to have originated in Mexico, where both mezcal and Margaritas have deep roots. The classic Margarita cocktail is said to have been invented in the 1930s or 1940s, with various stories claiming different people as its creator. Some sources credit a bartender named Carlos “Danny” Herrera, who created the drink for a customer who wanted a tequila-based cocktail but found the taste too harsh. Herrera combined tequila, lime juice, and Cointreau (or triple sec) to create the Margarita.

The mezcal margarita likely emerged as a variation of the classic Margarita as mezcal gained popularity in the cocktail world. Mezcal has long been an important cultural symbol in Mexico, and in recent years, it has become more widely available and appreciated globally. The smoky and complex flavors of mezcal add a unique twist to the classic Margarita, and many bartenders have experimented with adding mezcal to the mix.

Today, the mezcal margarita is a popular cocktail in bars around the world, with many variations using different types of mezcal, sweeteners, and other flavorings. Some bars also use mezcal to create other agave-based cocktails, such as the Oaxaca Old Fashioned or the Mezcal Negroni. Regardless of its origins, the mezcal margarita is a delicious and intriguing twist on a classic cocktail that is sure to please both mezcal lovers and Margarita aficionados alike.

How To Make a Mezcal Margarita

To make a mezcal margarita, you will need the following ingredients and tools:

Ingredients:

2 oz mezcal
1 oz lime juice
1/2 oz agave syrup or simple syrup
Salt for rimming the glass (optional)
Ice

Instructions:

Rim the glass: If desired, run a lime wedge around the rim of the margarita glass and then dip the rim in a small dish of salt. Set the glass aside.
Add ingredients to the shaker: Fill the cocktail shaker with ice, then add 2 oz mezcal, 1 oz lime juice, and 1/2 oz agave syrup or simple syrup.
Shake: Put the lid on the shaker and shake vigorously for about 15 seconds, until the shaker is well-chilled.
Strain: Remove the lid and place the strainer on top of the shaker. Pour the margarita through the strainer and into the prepared glass.
Garnish: If desired, garnish the margarita with a slice of lime or a sprig of fresh herbs, such as cilantro or mint.
Enjoy: Sip and enjoy your delicious mezcal margarita!

A mezcal margarita is a variation of the classic margarita that replaces the orange liqueur with agave syrup or simple syrup, and uses mezcal instead of tequila. It results in a more complex and smoky flavor.

Recommended Barware:

Top-Rated Mezcals

There are many great mezcals out there, each with its own unique character and flavor profile. Here are some top-rated mezcals based on their quality, taste, and popularity:

Del Maguey Single Village Mezcal ($36-$214) – This brand offers a range of mezcals made from agave plants grown in different Oaxacan villages. They are known for their high quality, smoky flavor, and unique taste.
El Jolgorio Mezcal ($106-$210) – This brand sources its agave plants from different regions of Oaxaca and produces a range of mezcals that showcase the diverse flavors of each variety.
Mezcal Vago ($49-$107) – This brand produces mezcals made from wild and cultivated agave plants grown in Oaxaca. They are known for their complex flavors and high quality.
Los Nahuales Mezcal ($79) – This brand offers a range of mezcals made from different agave varieties, including the rare and highly prized Tobalá agave. They are known for their smooth, complex flavor and high quality.
Wahaka Mezcal ($39-$149) – This brand produces mezcals made from different agave varieties and uses traditional methods to create unique and flavorful spirits.
Pierde Almas Mezcal ($39-$233) – This brand produces small-batch mezcals using traditional methods and wild agave plants from different regions of Oaxaca. They are known for their smooth and complex flavors.
Sombra Mezcal ($37-$189) – This brand produces artisanal mezcals made from agave plants grown in Oaxaca. They are known for their smoky flavor and high quality.
Alipús Mezcal ($48-$80) – This brand offers a range of mezcals made from agave plants grown in different villages of Oaxaca. They are known for their complex and unique flavors.
Ilegal Mezcal ($32-$139) – This brand produces mezcals made from agave plants grown in Oaxaca and uses traditional methods to create flavorful and high-quality spirits.
Real Minero Mezcal ($89-$197) – This brand produces small-batch mezcals made from wild agave plants grown in different regions of Oaxaca. They are known for their complex and unique flavors.

These are just a few examples of the many great mezcals that are available. Each brand and variety has its own unique flavor profile and style, so be sure to explore and find your favorite!