If you’re looking for a mezcal margarita that offers more than just smoke, this is it! This Spicy Mezcal Margarita is tropical, smoky, herby and slightly spicy. It’s got everything going for it and is a fun and unique way to enjoy mezcal. Plus, it’s unlike any other Spicy Mezcal Margarita—it’s a showstopper for sure! Once you make this a few times, feel free to play around with the spice level so it’s perfect for you.
Spicy Mezcal Margarita aka Smoke and Fire
These spicy mezcal margaritas can also be called Smoke and Fire. The smokiness comes from mezcal and the “fire” comes from the heat of muddled jalapeño. To make an adequately smoky cocktail, use a strong-flavored mezcal like Del Maguey Vida. Then to make sure the cocktail has kick, add the seeds of the jalapeño to the cocktail shaker with the slices of jalapeño.
Spicy Mezcal Margarita Ingredients
Mezcal: there are so many different mezcals on the market. We break down the different types of mezcal so you don’t have to guess. Our go-to mezcal is Del Maguey Vida but we also like Illegal Mezcal Joven.
Pineapple Juice: if you can find it, use fresh pineapple juice. Otherwise canned will work in a pinch. Pineapple juice balances the spicy and smokiness of this cocktail, adds a light tropical note and also creates that gorgeous foamy top.
Lime Juice: fresh squeezed lime juice is key to a good margarita! To get the most out of your limes, look for limes that have a smooth skin and are slightly soft when squeezed.
Agave Syrup: use light agave or blue agave syrup. Avoid dark agave syrup as it will add too deep of a flavor.
Jalapeño: for a more mild cocktail, remove the seeds before muddling. For a spicier cocktail, keep the seeds intact or go even spicier and use a Serrano.
Cilantro: a few leaves of fresh cilantro get muddled with the jalapeño and add a nice herby note. If you don’t like cilantro, skip it.
Best Mezcal for Margaritas
As we always say, the best liquor is one you like to drink. That being said, there’s no need to break the bank on a bottle of mezcal unless you plan to sip it neat or on the rocks. Two of our favorite brands for this spicy pineapple mezcal margarita include Del Maguey Vida and Illegal Mezcal Joven.
Storage
We don’t often recommend storing cocktails for later. But if you don’t want to waste anything you can store this cocktail in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to strain out any ice to avoid dilution.
How to Make Batch Spicy Mezcal Margaritas
- Muddle ½ cup cilantro and 1 sliced jalapeno in a large pitcher with a muddler or back of wooden spoon.
- Add 16 ounces mezcal (2 cups), 8 ounces pineapple juice (1 cup), 8 ounces lime juice (1 cup), and 3 ounces agave syurp.
- Add ½ cup ice and stir until dissolved.
- Cover and chill in refrigerator until ready to serve.
- Serve over ice in rocks glasses.
Substitutions & Variations
- Instead of pineapple juice and agave syrup, feel free to use triple sec or your favorite orange liqueur.
- Streamline the cocktail and use ancho reyes instead of jalapeno, cilantro and pineapple juice.
- Rim the glass with kosher salt for a more traditional feel.
FAQ
The difference lies in aging (or lack of aging). Silver tequila or blanco tequila is bottled right after distillation or within a few months of distillation. Yellow tequila, aka reposado or añejo is aged in wood barrels before being bottled. This aging process imparts flavor and color into the liquor.
Tequila is made from the piña, or the core of the blue agave plant. The core or bulb of the plant contains the natural sugars needed for fermentation and distillation.
More Ways to Use Mezcal
Mezcal pairs wonderfully with whiskey in our Smoky Mezcal Sour. It’s a year-round drink, but especially delicious in the fall.
Save your really good mezcal for a Mezcal Old Fashioned. If you like boozy sippers, the Oaxaca Old Fashioned is for you.
Freeze up a batch of Smoky Mezcal Margarita Popsicles for those late summer nights.
And finally, if you’re new to mezcal, make sure you check out our complete guide to mezcal.
Drinks & Cocktails
Smoky Mezcal Whiskey Sour Cocktail
Drinks & Cocktails
Mezcal Old Fashioned (Oaxaca Old Fashioned)
Drinks & Cocktails
Smoky Mezcal Margarita Popsicles
Spicy Mezcal Margarita Recipe
Description
Ingredients
- 12 fresh cilantro leaves
- 2 slices jalapeño
- 4 ounces mezcal
- 2 ounces fresh pineapple juice
- 2 ounces fresh lime juice
- ¾ ounces agave syrup
- Lime & jalapeno slice for garnish
Instructions
- In a cocktail shaker, muddle cilantro leaves and jalapeño.
- Add 4 ounces mezcal, 2 ounces pineapple juice, 2 ounces lime juice and ¾ ounces agave. Fill shaker with ice, secure lid and shake vigorously until well-chilled.
- Strain into a rocks glass filled with ice. Garnish with lime wedges and jalapeño slices.
Notes
Nutrition
