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Spicy Mezcal Margaritas Recipe

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4.2 from 7 reviews

Enjoy a vibrant and spicy twist on the classic margarita with this Spicy Mezcal Margarita recipe. Combining smoky mezcal with fresh lime juice, orange liqueur, and a kick of chili pepper, balanced by a sweet honey syrup, this cocktail delivers a perfectly balanced, refreshing drink with a fiery finish. Ideal for cocktail enthusiasts seeking bold flavors and a handcrafted experience.

Ingredients

Cocktail Ingredients

  • 2 ounces mezcal
  • 1 ounce lime juice (freshly-squeezed)
  • ½ ounce orange liqueur (Triple Sec, Cointreau, or Curaçao)
  • ½ ounce honey syrup (or agave, or simple syrup)
  • ¼ – ½ chili pepper (fresno, jalapeño, or serrano; sliced, plus more for garnishing)
  • Ice (as needed, for shaking and serving)
  • 1 wedge fresh lime (optional, for rimming glasses)
  • Tajín (optional, or chili salt; as needed, for rimming glasses)

Honey Syrup Ingredients

  • ½ cup honey
  • ½ cup hot water

Instructions

  1. Prepare Ingredients: Gather all ingredients for the cocktail, including mezcal, lime juice, orange liqueur, honey syrup, and sliced chili pepper.
  2. Rim the Glass (Optional): If desired, wet the rim of your cocktail glass with a fresh lime wedge. Dip the wetted rim into Tajín or chili salt spread on a shallow plate to coat. Fill glass with fresh ice cubes and set aside.
  3. Mix the Cocktail: In a cocktail shaker or mason jar, combine the mezcal, freshly squeezed lime juice, orange liqueur, honey syrup, and the sliced chili pepper. Add ice to fill the shaker.
  4. Shake: Cover the shaker tightly and shake vigorously for 30 seconds to chill and infuse the flavors.
  5. Strain and Serve: Strain the mixture through a Hawthorn strainer and fine-mesh strainer directly into the prepared cocktail glass filled with ice. Garnish with additional chili slices, if desired. Serve immediately.
  6. Prepare Honey Syrup: Heat water until simmering (using a kettle, stovetop, or microwave). In a heat-safe container, combine the hot water and honey, stirring until fully dissolved. Use immediately or store refrigerated for up to 1 month. Use ½ ounce per cocktail.

Notes

  • The amount of chili pepper can be adjusted based on your preferred spice level; start with less and add more as desired.
  • Honey syrup can be substituted with agave syrup or simple syrup.
  • Rimming the glass with Tajín or chili salt adds a nice spicy and salty contrast to complement the drink.
  • For a less spicy version, omit the chili slices in the shaker and garnish.
  • Use fresh lime juice for the best flavor; bottled lime juice will alter the taste.