Mastering The Mezcal Margarita: A Smoky Delight

It must run in the genes. Mezcal, one of the most sough-after and trendy spirits of the moment, shares a lot with tequila: they both come from the same family of plant, agave, though important differences have to specified. Tequila con only be made from Blue Agave, harvested in only five Mexican states, while mezcal can come from any kind of agave. The production process varies too: whilst tequila’s agave is cooked in specific ovens, for mezcal the pinas are cooked in a ground pit, covered and set on fire: this gives mezcal its unmistakable smoky notes, which are absolutely perfect for a twist on classic, the Mezcal Margarita.

It feels like a natural, yet unique evolution for the classic Margarita: being a close relative to tequila, mezcal provides with similar vegetal hints, but adds a layer of warmth and smokiness, allowing for a new depth of flavor. Lime juice counterparts with acidity, before the addition of some luxurious, full-bodied texture by Grand Marnier: the bitter orange flavor is just the ultimate touch to complete a marvelous picture in this delicious Mezcal Margarita.

Following are the ingredients you will need for a Mezcal Margarita:

• 50ml high quality mezcal such as Montelobos
• 25ml Grand Marnier
• 25ml freshly squeezed lime juice

If you want to know how to make a Blueberry Margarita, here are the key steps you should follow:

• Pre-chill your shaker by stirring a few good quality ice cubes in it; then remove the ice and excess water;
• Pre-chill a cocktail glass by storing it in the freezer for at least 15 minutes before serving, or filling it up with ice while concocting the cocktail;
• Add all the ingredients in the shaker;
• Add more good quality ice cubes and shake vigorously;
• Strain into the pre-chilled cocktail glass

To achieve the best Mezcal Margarita recipe, try adopting some, or all of the suggestions that follow, to elevate your drinking experience:

• Variety in age: Just like every other spirit, mezcal comes in different ageing options, each of them providing with different flavor profiles: Blanco or joven is the unaged label, while Reposado is aged in wooden containers from two to 12 months. Añejo is aged for at least one year in wooden containers, and finally Madurado en Vidrio (matured in glass) rests in a glass container for at least 12 months after distillation. Try experimenting your Mezcal Margarita with a few other ones.
• Look further: It is very easy to limit the description of mezcal’s organoleptic characteristics to “smoky”. It’s not a wrong statement, but it leaves out of the picture a number of deeper and more nuanced notes you could explore. Depending on the terroir of the production site, mezcal can vary from sweet to fruity, from mineral to savory. This is why you should look for more than one option, and create your Mezcal Margarita depending on your mood;

A Mezcal Margarita, as we said, is a distinct variation on the classic Margarita that still withholds its original simplicity . The presentation of the drinks should follow the same rules as well: you ideally would like to have a bright coloured drink, served in a coupette or on the rocks, with just a lime wedge or zest as a garnish. No exaggeration, just a clean elegant look: but if you are indeed looking to go a bit extra, check out our guide to create the perfect salt rim for your glass, to add some bite to your Mezcal Margarita.