The good news is, infusing tequila and other liquors at home is a simple and affordable option. One or two thin wheels of habanero are enough for the average cocktail drinker.Most liquor stores sell flavor-infused alcohol, but depending on the brand, the price tag may be a bit steep. Simply chop up some jalapeños and add a few of the small wheels to your drink.Īlternatively, you can also go with a habanero chili. You can also create a cocktail that beautifully combines smoky flavors with some extra spicy by adding a bit of chili to your Mezcal Margarita. Split-base is a good option if, perhaps, you mispicked and ended up with something too smoky for your liking. Therefore our Margarita Mezcal recipe is a single base one. But, depending on the Mezcal you use, the effort might not be worth it, and you might end up not tasting a notable difference. It rounds the cocktail up beautifully.īy the way, if you like to start your Mezcal experience a little more cautiously, you can also opt for a split base with half Mezcal half Tequila. But for the Mezcal Margarita, 100% agave enhances the difference in taste even further - in a good way.Īnd don't forget to use freshly squeezed lime juice and a decent quality salt for the rim - fleur de sel is our favorite. We recommend that for the classic version of this cocktail. The other elements are Triple Sec (I prefer Cointreau), agave syrup, and lime juice.Īs for the syrup, there's also the option to do one part agave and one part simple syrup. So you basically only substitute Tequila with your favorite Mezcal, and your good to go. The remaining components besides the base spirit stay the same as in a classic Margarita. Other ingredients that go into a Mezcal Margarita But it will improve your drink, so if you're feeling fancy and have some bucks to spare, this is a Mezcal to consider for your next Margarita. Some might argue that an Anejo is wasted in a cocktail. But because the other ingredients in the cocktail will counterbalance the flavors and smokiness to some extent, you can be brave and go for something bolder even if you're not entirely the smoky type. Like for a Mezcal Old Fashioned, the most common choice for a Mezcal Margarita is a Joven style Mezcal. So finding that out is down to try-and-error or research. However, there's no official scale indicating the degree of smoke in a Mezcal. And there are also different levels of smokiness. Mezcals can be classified into different aging categories, from not aged to aging for a long time: Joven, Reposado, Añejo, to Extra Añejo. Pox - What you need to know about the ancient Mayan spirit Which Mezcal to use in a Mezcal Margarita Sotol and the difference to Tequila and Mezcal

If you want to read more about the different types of spirits from Mexico and how they compare, here's where you can continue reading: The underlying vegetal and earthy taste notes are quite the same, but the smokiness in Mezcal can be a real game-changer. There are similarities, but Mezcal is smoky and less sweet than Tequila. Now, if you expect them to taste the same, you are mistaken. Or in other words, every Tequila is a Mezcal but not every Mezcal is a Tequila. So to quickly sum it up, technically, Tequila is a sub-type of Mezcal. And there's also a difference in the production process that lends Mezcal its characteristic smokiness. Mezcal, however, can be legally produced in as many as 9 Mexican states. Also, Tequila must originate from Jalisco or a few other municipalities outside of the state. Only the blue weber agave is allowed for Tequila, whereas, for Mezcal, producers can work with a wide range of different agave types. But the production of Tequila is strictly regulated regarding the plants used and the place of production. Mezcal is an agave spirit, just like Tequila. Also because the Mezcal-fanbase has only been growing in recent years. I think the Mezcal Margarita is a drink that every true Margarita lover should have tried at least once. A Mezcal Margarita follows the same principle but is a more smoky version of this all-time favorite summer cocktail. Traditionally, a Margarita consists of Silver Tequila, Triple Sec, a sugary component, and salt for the rim. But at least, that's the case with my mind. And why not make it a Mezcal Margarita? And surely one of the first things that come to mind when thinking about the Latinamerican country. Alongside Tacos, the Margarita is one of Mexico's most famous food and drink exports.

Margarita recipes