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Mezcal Margarita

A sophisticated twist on the classic margarita featuring smoky mezcal, fresh lime juice, and agave nectar. This five-minute cocktail delivers complex, bold flavors with deep smoky character that makes it stand out from traditional margaritas.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Servings: 1 cocktail
Course: Drinks and Beverages
Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
Calories: 180
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main
  • 2 ounces 60 ml mezcal, preferably a joven or espadin varietal
  • 1 ounce 30 ml fresh lime juice, squeezed from 1 to 2 fresh limes
  • 0.5 ounces 15 ml agave nectar
  • 1 large cube or 1 cup crushed ice for shaking
  • Sea salt or Tajin seasoning optional, for rimming the glass
  • 1 thin slice lime wheel for garnish

Equipment

  • Cocktail shaker or mason jar with lid
  • Jigger or measuring shot glass
  • Bar spoon or long teaspoon
  • Strainer or mesh sieve
  • Rocks glass or margarita coupe glass
  • Citrus juicer or hand squeezer
  • Cutting board and knife

Method
 

  1. Fill your rocks glass or coupe glass with ice and let it sit while you prepare the drink to chill the glass.
  2. Cut a fresh lime into halves and juice it into your jigger until you have exactly 1 ounce. If you want a rimmed glass, run the lime wedge around the rim's edge and dip it into your sea salt or Tajin.
  3. Pour 2 ounces of mezcal into your jigger.
  4. Add 0.5 ounces of agave nectar to your cocktail shaker or mason jar.
  5. Fill your shaker about three-quarters full with ice, using larger cubes if possible since they melt more slowly than crushed ice.
  6. Pour your measured mezcal and agave nectar into the shaker with the ice, then add your fresh lime juice.
  7. Seal your shaker tightly and shake vigorously for 10 to 15 seconds, until the outside of the shaker becomes frosty and condensation forms.
  8. Remove the ice from your prepared glass and strain the cocktail into it using a fine strainer.
  9. Place a fresh lime wheel on the rim or drop it into the drink and serve immediately while cold.

Notes

Use the largest ice cubes you can fit in your shaker for faster chilling with minimal dilution. Always use fresh lime juice squeezed within a few hours of making your drink. Invest in quality mezcal in the 90 to 100 proof range. Shake, don't stir, to create proper aeration and texture. Store fresh lime juice in an airtight container for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.