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Mezcal Margarita

A smoky, complex twist on the classic margarita that balances mezcal's distinctive character with fresh lime juice and quality liqueurs. This cocktail delivers sophistication in under five minutes.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Servings: 1 cocktail
Course: Drinks and Beverages
Cuisine: Mexican
Calories: 180
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main
  • 2 ounces 60 ml mezcal, quality spirit
  • 1 ounce 30 ml fresh lime juice, freshly squeezed
  • 0.5 ounces 15 ml Cointreau or triple sec
  • 0.5 ounces 15 ml agave nectar
  • Sea salt for rimming the glass
  • 1 lime wheel for garnish
  • 1 cup ice crushed or cubed

Equipment

  • Cocktail shaker
  • Jigger
  • Bar spoon
  • Strainer
  • Citrus juicer
  • Cutting board and knife
  • Coupe glass or rocks glass
  • Small plate or shallow dish

Method
 

  1. Pour sea salt onto a small plate or shallow dish. Run a lime wedge around the rim of your coupe or rocks glass, then dip the glass rim into the salt at a slight angle. Set the rimmed glass aside.
  2. Fill your rimmed glass with ice while you prepare the cocktail.
  3. Cut a fresh lime in half and squeeze both halves with a citrus juicer until you get about 1 ounce of juice. Strain the juice through a small fine-mesh strainer to catch any pulp or seeds.
  4. Using a jigger, measure 2 ounces of mezcal into a cocktail shaker. Add 0.5 ounces of Cointreau, 0.5 ounces of agave nectar, and the 1 ounce of fresh lime juice.
  5. Add about 1 cup of ice (crushed or cubed) to the shaker with your ingredients.
  6. Close your shaker tightly and shake hard for 10 to 12 seconds until the shaker gets cold in your hands.
  7. Place a strainer over the shaker opening and pour the cocktail into your ice-filled, salt-rimmed glass.
  8. Cut a fresh lime wheel and place it on the rim of your glass for garnish. Serve immediately.

Notes

Use mezcal in the mid-range price bracket (thirty to fifty dollars) for best flavor. Always use fresh lime juice squeezed right before mixing. Shake hard and fast for proper dilution and texture. The drink pairs beautifully with Mexican food like tacos, ceviche, or guacamole.