How To Make A Smoky Pink Mezcal Margarita

This post is about a mezcal margarita.

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It's hard to beat a mezcal margarita. The smoky flavor is completely unique! This recipe is one of our staples for a few reasons...This mezcal margarita recipe blends the delicious mezcal flavor with tequila, lime, agave, and our secret ingredient to turn it pink!

It's a classic mezcal margarita, but the pink color adds something super fun to the drink. It looks like it should be an overly sweet based on the color, so the smoke flavor really surprises people. It makes for such a fun & unique hosting drink! (Don't worry, you can totally just make one for yourself too.)

This post is about a mezcal margarita.

What Makes A Good Mezcal Margarita?

Making a good tasting mezcal margarita is quite simple! To make a mezcal margarita you simply need a good mezcal, a good tequila, some fresh limes, & agave. Balancing your mezcal margarita is the same process as a regular marg. You just need the right amount of sweet, acid, and bite from the tequila.

We turn ours pink using a special ingredient, but this doesn't impact flavor at all. If you'd prefer yours to not be pink, simply skip that part of the directions.

Mezcal vs Tequila

Technically, all tequila is mezcal. No that's not a typo. I always used to assume that mezcal was just a variation of tequila. Mezcal is actually a term that is referencing spirits made from the agave plant. Tequila is a specific type of mezcal that is only made from blue Weber agave plants.

Mezcal is known for its very smoky flavor. It gets its smokey flavor from roasting agave in underground pits. (Worth remembering for a great convo piece next time you're hosting!)

Both tequila & mezcal are categorized by their aging process:

• Blanco: Unaged.
• Reposado: Aged 2-12 months in oak barrels.
• Añejo: Aged one year or more in oak barrels.
• Extra Añejo: Aged more than 3 years in oak barrels.

Looking for something else?

Pink Mezcal Margarita Ingredients:

1. Mezcal

You can get a really delicious mezcal for a great price. If you're local to a good liquor store, I always like to ask for a recommendation.

2. Reposado Tequila

The tequila plays a big role in the flavor of the drink, so go for a bottle you really enjoy.

3. Fresh Lime Juice

Fresh lime juice is a non-negotiable for a margarita. Don't skip on this part!

4. Agave Syrup

Agave is what sweetens the margarita. It pairs so well with a margarita because agave plants are what tequila is made from!

5. Cointreau

Cointreau adds another layer of flavor and subtle orange brightness to the drink!

6. Ube Powder

Ube powder is made from purple sweet potato. As weird as it sounds, it doesn't impact the flavor of the drink at all because you use such a small amount. It's used to dye foods and drinks or provide a unique garnish. It will give your margarita that beautiful pink color while keeping the delicious smokey flavor the same!

Mezcal Margarita Recipe:

1. Add all ingredients to a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake for 20 seconds, until well-chilled & ube powder is fully incorporated.

2. Strain into a rocks glass over fresh ice.

3. Garnish with a lime wheel. You can also add a salted rim to your glass if preferred. (Smoked flake salt is a fun add!)

Mezcal Margarita FAQs:

Can you make a mezcal margarita without cointreau?

You can! If you'd like to skip the flavor all together, just leave it out. The drink might be a bit flat without it, so you can sub in a little fresh squeezed orange juice for added brightness too.

What does a mezcal margarita taste like?

Delicious! Aside from that, the margarita will have a smoky flavor. Mezcal is distinctly smoky. This recipe has a little smoke, subtle sweetness, and limey citrus flavor.

Is a mezcal margarita spicy?

No. It will taste like a normal margarita with a stronger smoky flavor.

What makes it pink?

Ube powder! I buy this exact one on Amazon. It's made from purple sweet potatoes. There is no flavor, it's simply for adding a unique color to your drink without gross chemicals & dyes.

Is making a mezcal margarita easy?

Super easy! It's basically a simple fresh margarita recipe with an extra liquor. It's a very beginner-friendly cocktail that looks much more complex than it is.

Can you sub another liquor in place of tequila?

Not really. This drink is really for someone who enjoys the flavor of tequila. It calls for both mezcal & a reposado tequila, and you truly need both for a balanced drink. You could sub in a blanco tequila if you're short on reposado.

What do you serve a margarita in?

We prefer a rocks glass! I always buy this set from Amazon - they're affordable, but look/feel so expensive. If you plan on blending your margarita, you could serve it in a traditional margarita glass.

What do you garnish a mezcal margarita with?

A fresh lime wheel is perfect! If you want to be a little fancier, you could dry out some lime wheels beforehand.

This post was about a mezcal margarita.

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