Mezcal Spicy Margarita recipe

Name: Mezcal Spicy Margarita
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Yield: 1 cocktail
Cuisine: Cocktail
Ingredients: 2 oz Mezcal; 1 oz Fresh Lime Juice; 0.75 oz Agave Syrup; 2 Jalapeño Slices; 0.5 oz Orange Liqueur

A smoky, jalapeño-laced Margarita built with mezcal, lime and agave.

Method: Shake · Glass: Rocks glass · Time: 5 min · Difficulty: Intermediate · Family: The Sidecar Family

Ingredients

2 oz Mezcal (espadín)
1 oz Fresh Lime Juice
0.75 oz Agave Syrup
2 Jalapeño Slices (muddled)
0.5 oz Orange Liqueur

How to make a Mezcal Spicy Margarita

Muddle jalapeño slices gently in a shaker.
Add mezcal, lime juice, agave and orange liqueur with ice.
Shake hard for 12-15 seconds.
Strain over fresh ice in a rimmed rocks glass and garnish.

Garnish

Jalapeño slice and a Tajín or chili-salt rim.

Pro tip

Choose a bright, citrus-friendly mezcal. Very heavy smoke plus too much chili can flatten the lime and agave balance.

History of the Mezcal Spicy Margarita

The Mezcal Spicy Margarita is a contemporary riff on the jalapeño Margarita, replacing blanco tequila with mezcal for roasted agave character and a measured smoky finish.

Flavour profile

Smoky, Spicy, Citrus, Agave

Variations

Spicy Margarita — Use blanco tequila for the jalapeño original.
Habanero Margarita — Swap jalapeño for habanero when you want more heat.
Mango Spicy Margarita — Add mango purée for a tropical, softer-edged heat.

Practise making the Mezcal Spicy Margarita in the free Virtual Bar game.