A perfectly balanced, slightly sweet, super-refreshing mezcal margarita!
Is there anything better than a cold margarita on a hot summer day? Nope! I get nervous about ordering a margarita at a bar or restaurant because so often they’re packed with way too sweet syrups or pre-made mixes, which is a shame because it’s such a simple cocktail to make! My recipe is a little bit healthier; I swap simple syrup for homemade honey syrup. I prefer mezcal, but this recipe works with regular tequila too! Use whichever you like better.
Mezcal Margarita Tips and Tricks:
Use an ice-cold glass: Put your margarita glasses in the freezer for a few minutes while you’re getting all the ingredients together. A frosty glass is a nice touch! If you like a salted rim, simply cut a lime wedge and rub it on the edge of your glass, then dip the edge in salt.
Use fresh lime juice, never bottled! This is non-negotiable!
The perfect amount of sweetness: I use homemade honey syrup in lieu of sugary mixes or simple syrup.
Skip the triple sec!: This one may be controversial but I never make my margaritas with triple sec or Cointreau. I don’t find it necessary at all! Trust me give it a try!
Temperature is everything: Make sure you shake your margaritas until they go ice cold. It takes about 45 seconds of vigorous shaking but it’s worth it!
How to make the perfect mezcal margarita:
Step one: Some people use simple syrup or agave, both of which are totally fine. I myself like to make a honey syrup. It takes just five minutes and the honey flavor compliments the smokey mezcal perfectly!
To make the honey syrup: Bring ½c honey and ½c water to a boil. Simmer on low for five minutes. Pour into a jar and let cool completely before using.
Step two: Put all of the ingredients, minus the salt, into a cocktail shaker or jar with a tight-fitting lid (I use a mason jar). Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously until you feel that everything is cold. Strain into a chilled glass with fresh ice, garnish with a lime wedge.
Recipe Variations:
Spicy Mezcal Margarita: Add a few slices of fresh jalapeño to your mezcal 15 minutes before you’re ready to mix. The longer you let the jalapeños infuse, the spicier it will be!
Pineapple Mezcal Margarita: Add 2oz fresh pineapple juice to this recipe, garnish with a pineapple slice (optional).
Mezcal Paloma: Swap out fresh grapefruit juice instead of lime. Shake all of the ingredients together then top with 4oz of grapefruit soda, garnish with a grapefruit wedge.
The Perfect Mezcal Margarita
Ingredients
- 2 oz mezcal regular tequila works too!
- 1 oz fresh lime juice
- 1 oz honey syrup
- salt for the rim
Instructions
- Put all of the ingredients, minus the salt, into a cocktail shaker or jar with a tight-fitting lid (I use a mason jar). Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously until you feel that everything is cold. Strain into a chilled glass with fresh ice, garnish with a lime wedge.
Honey Syrup:
- Bring ½c honey and ½c water to a boil. Simmer on low for five minutes. Pour into a jar and let cool completely before using.
Notes
Nutrition
Serve The Perfect Mezcal Margarita with one of these great recipes →
Beer-Braised Shredded Chicken Tacos
Chipotle Shrimp Salad with Peaches and Cilantro-Jalapeño Vinaigrette
Sheet Pan Chicken Tacos Al Pastor
Great recipe! Where did you get your margarita glasses? Thanks!
Thank you! These are actually just my everyday water glasses. They’re from Cb2!