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    Category Home » Recipes » The Perfect Mezcal Margarita!

    The Perfect Mezcal Margarita!

    Published: Mar 22, 2019 · Modified: May 23, 2020 by Leigh Anderson · This post may contain affiliate links

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    A perfectly balanced, slightly sweet, super-refreshing mezcal margarita!

    tTwo ice cold glasses of the perfect mezcal margaritas

    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!

    Honey Syrup in a glass jar

    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.

    two ice cold glasses of mezcal margaritas

    The Perfect Mezcal Margarita

    A perfectly balanced, slightly sweet, super-refreshing mezcal margarita!
    5 from 5 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Prep Time: 10 minutes
    Servings: 1
    Calories: 181kcal
    Author: Leigh Anderson

    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

    Honey syrup will last for up to three months in the pantry or refrigerator. 

    Nutrition

    Serving: 6oz | Calories: 181kcal | Carbohydrates: 14g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Sodium: 2mg | Sugar: 12g | Vitamin C: 9mg
    Did you make this recipe?Share a picture on Instagram and tag me: @Craving_California and use the hashtag: #CravingCalifornia!

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Annie

      October 26, 2021 at 1:54 pm

      5 stars
      Great recipe! Where did you get your margarita glasses? Thanks!

      Reply
      • Leigh Hyatt Anderson

        October 27, 2021 at 1:22 pm

        Thank you! These are actually just my everyday water glasses. They’re from Cb2!

        Reply

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