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Mezcal Margarita Recipe

A delicious healthier recipe for Mezcal Margaritas with smoky mezcal, fresh citrus, jalapeno, and cilantro. Smoky, spicy, and oh so refreshing!

4.7 from 138 votes
10 mins
Total Time
2
margaritas
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Mezcal Margarita

How to Make the Best Mezcal Margarita

This mezcal margarita takes the classic cocktail to new heights with the addition of smoky mezcal, fresh jalapeno, and bright cilantro. If you’re tired of the same old margarita and want something with more depth and complexity, this spicy twist is exactly what you need.

Mezcal brings a distinctive smoky flavor that pairs beautifully with the fresh lime juice and orange liqueur. The optional jalapeno and cilantro add layers of heat and herbaceous freshness that make this cocktail truly special. It’s the perfect drink for anyone who appreciates bold, grown-up flavors—if you’re a fan of smoky Scotch, you’ll find a lot to love here.

Ready in just 10 minutes, this recipe makes two margaritas that are perfect for sharing on a warm evening or as a sophisticated start to a Mexican-inspired dinner party. Don’t skip the salt rim—it balances the smoke and spice beautifully.

Mezcal Margarita

Mezcal Margarita

A delicious healthier recipe for Mezcal Margaritas with smoky mezcal, fresh citrus, jalapeno, and cilantro. Smoky, spicy, and oh so refreshing!

4.7 from 138 votes
CourseCocktail
CuisineMexican
Keywordmezcal margarita, mezcal margarita with jalapeno, spicy mezcal margarita, cilantro margarita, spicy margarita recipes, mezcal recipes
Prep Time10 mins
Cook Time0 mins
Total Time10 mins
Servings2 margaritas
Calories243kcal
AuthorRare Ivy
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Ingredients

Mezcal Margarita

Optional Additions

Instructions

Prepare the Glasses

  1. Rub the rims of 2 glasses with lime, then dip the rims into a small plate of salt.
  2. Fill the glasses with ice and set aside.

Make the Margarita

  1. Place the jalapeno slices and cilantro into a cocktail shaker (or use a jar with a lid). Muddle to release the flavors.
  2. Add ice to the shaker until it's about two-thirds full.
  3. Add the lime juice (and/or other citrus), mezcal, orange liqueur, and sweetener of choice.
  4. Shake well and taste, adjusting sweetness and lime to find the right balance for you.

Serve

  1. Pour into the salt-rimmed glasses over ice, or serve strained and up like a martini.
  2. Garnish with a lime slice.

Notes

  • If you like Scotch, you'll love this cocktail. Mezcal has a similar smoky quality.
  • Adjust the jalapeno amount based on your heat preference. Start with fewer slices for a milder kick.
  • For a sweeter margarita, increase the agave or simple syrup to 3 teaspoons.
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