Make an unforgettable Mezcal Margarita with a hint of smokiness! Includes instructions for both ONE serving, and a PITCHER of delicious margaritas made with Mezcal.

I love a good margarita! To me, margaritas have a perfect balance of flavors; they’re a bit tart, a bit sweet and a bit salty! But have you tried Mezcal? I LOVE it! It’s like tequila, but has a much smokier flavor, which makes it an excellent addition to cocktails like this Mezcal Margarita recipe! Mezcal cocktails like this take your classic margarita recipe and give it a smoky spin.

I believe that you’ll love this recipe whether you just want one margarita or a whole pitcher, because I include instructions for both! For this recipe, I use fresh fruit juices, Mezcal (of course), Grand Marnier (orange liqueur), and simple syrup for a touch of sweetness. A fresh margarita is SO much better than a margarita mix! It’s hard to put in words how much tastier it is. You’ll just have to try it out for yourself!

Mezcal Margarita Recipe

What is Mezcal?

Mezcal is a distinctive Mexican liquor made from agave plants, the same plant used to make tequila. Where the two liquors differ is that mezcal is made from agave plants that have been roasted first, giving the Mezcal a smoky, earthy flavor. 

Mezcal is made using agave hearts. This meaty piece of agave is trimmed and roasted underground in a pit with rocks and wood. Once roasted, they’re crushed to extract their juices. 

The juices will then ferment over the course of weeks, allowing their unique flavors to develop. After fermenting, the juice is distilled and aged to allow it’s signature smokiness to deepen and smooth out. 

Mezcal makers pass the secrets of their craftsmanship down through generations, making mezcal a uniquely Mexican spirit! 

If you don’t have Mezcal, you can certainly use tequila for this margarita recipe! just substitute your favorite brand. I love using anejo style tequila, which has been aged and tends to be a bit smoother. It has a LOT less bite!

Recipe Substitutions 

This refreshing cocktail is versatile and has plenty of substitutions! I have plenty of suggestions, below: 

  • Mezcal: You’ll love the smoky flavor of Mezcal style tequila. You can substitute with tequila if you prefer. When substituting tequila, I prefer anejo style tequila which is aged longer and much smoother!
  • Lime Juice: Use fresh citrus juice for the best flavor. Substitute lemon juice if needed!
  • Orange Juice: Use freshly squeezed juice for best flavor. Substitute grapefruit juice for an extra tart twist. 
  • Grand Marnier: This orange liquor is what is used in traditional top shelf margaritas. However, you can substitute with Cointreau or Triple Sec. If you’re feeling extra adventurous, making your own orange liqueur using this Triple Sec recipe.
  • Simple Syrup: I used regular simple syrup for this cocktail recipe because it’s the most accessible option. However, you can substitute any variety of sweet syrups, even maple syrup! Or try agave syrup for extra agave goodness!
  • Kosher Salt or Sea Salt: This is an optional garnish you can use to make a salted rim. Just dip the rim of your glass in water, then in the salt. You can also buy pre-made margarita salt. This option will often have dehydrated lime in it for extra flavor! 
  • Ice
  • Lime wedges/slices: For garnish, optional

If you’re feeling extra adventurous, making your own orange liqueur using this Triple Sec recipe.

Mezcal Margarita Recipe

Recipe Additions

Spicy Rim: Add a pinch of chili powder to the salt for the rim for a spicy salt rim. 

Spicy Mezcal Margarita: If you prefer a spicy margarita, add 1-2 slices of jalapeño pepper to each glass. Allow the drink to rest for 1-2 minutes before serving to allow the pepper to infuse the liquid. You can also add a splash of the liquid from canned jalapenos. 

Mezcal Margarita Recipe

Serving Suggestions

This Mezcal Margarita recipe is perfect served with Baked Fish Tacos, Costa Rican Casado, Flank Steak Tacos or Shrimp Tacos! Add a side of Cilantro Lime Slaw or Esquites to round out your meal.

Or, keep it simple and serve this margarita with chips and salsa or queso dip!

Mezcal Margarita Recipe
Mezcal Margarita Recipe

The Best Mezcal Margarita

This slightly smoky Mezcal Margarita is a beautiful twist on your traditional margarita!
4.82 from 11 votes
Print Pin Rate
Course: Beverages
Cuisine: Mexican
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Calories: 310kcal
Author: Michelle Goth

Ingredients

FOR 1 SERVING:

  • 2 ounces mezcal
  • 2 ounces fresh lime juice
  • ½ ounce fresh orange juice
  • ½ ounce Grand Marnier
  • 1 ½ teaspoons simple syrup

FOR GARNISH/SERVING:

  • fresh lime wedges for garnish:
  • ice
  • kosher salt for the rim

Instructions

  • To salt the rim of the glass, add a good amount of salt to a shallow dish. Cut off a slice of lime and rub it around the edge of the glass. Dip the glass into the salt to coat the rim.
  •  In a large glass or cocktail shaker add the Mezcal, lime juice, orange juice, Grand Marnier, and simple syrup. Stir to combine or add ice to the cocktail shaker and shake until combined and chilled.
  •  Fill your serving glass with ice and strain your cocktail over the ice. Garnish with lime wheels or a lime wedge. 

Notes

For a pitcher (6 servings):
-12 ounces mezcal
-12 ounces freshly squeezed lime juice
-3 ounces freshly squeezed orange juice
-6 ounces Grand Marnier
-9 Tablespoons simple syrup ( a bit more than 1/2 cup)

Nutrition

Serving: 1 | Calories: 310kcal | Carbohydrates: 32g | Protein: 2g | Sodium: 320mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 18g
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Mezcal Margarita