The Perfect Mezcal Margarita!

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 1/2c honey and 1/2c 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 7 votes
Print Pin Rate
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 1
Calories: 181kcal

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 1/2c honey and 1/2c 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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