Fresh Mezcalitas

Name: Mezcalita
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: For the spicy rim: Tajín Clásico Seasoning or a mix of 2 parts kosher salt and 1 part chili powder; Lime wedges, for lining the rim and garnish; 1 1/2 ounces mild mezcal (I recommend Del Maguey Vida); 2 ounces fresh orange juice; 1 ounce fresh lime juice; Optional: 3 dashes of orange bitters (for extra orange flavor); Optional: 1 to 3 teaspoons orange liqueur, simple syrup or agave nectar

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Have you met my new friend, the mezcalita? She’s fun like a margarita, but smoky, spicy and more mysterious. I got to know her this summer on a trip to Mexico City.

The mezcalitas varied from restaurant to restaurant, but they were all more orange-forward than your standard limey margarita, with spicy salted rims.

Naturally, I figured out how to make my own mezcalitas when I got back. I discovered a small mezcal selection at a nearby liquor store (right by the tequila) and purchased a mild, mixable mezcal called Vida.

I went home and flipped the proportions of citrus juice in my favorite margarita recipe, to make them taste more like orange than lime.

Mezcalitas aren’t complete without a spicy, salty rim around the glass. I lined mine with either Tajín (a zingy Mexican salt and spice blend that you can find in the Hispanic aisle at the grocery store) or the chili powder-and-salt combination you see here.

I prefer Tajín, since the citric acid packs a sour punch, but chili powder and salt is an easy homemade option.

Up until Mexico City, I had crinkled my nose at Ali’s mezcal drinks and dismissed them as “too smoky.” I’m certainly no mezcal connoisseur yet, but I’m learning.

If you’re interested in mezcal, this drink is a great place to start! Please let me know how you like your mezcalitas in the comments. If you’re looking for tequila-based recipes, check out my collection of margarita recipes.

For more cold and refreshing cocktails, don’t miss my classic red sangria, Aperol spritz, and moscow mule recipes.

Mezcalita

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Author: Cookie and Kate
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Yield: 1 drink 1x
Category: Cocktail
Method: Shaken
Cuisine: Mexican

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4.7 from 14 reviews

This fresh mezcalita recipe is made with orange juice, lime juice, and of course, mezcal! It wouldn’t be complete without the spicy, salted rim. Recipe as written below yields 1 cocktail, but you can make two to three at a time in your cocktail shaker.

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Ingredients

For the spicy rim: Tajín Clásico Seasoning or a mix of 2 parts kosher salt and 1 part chili powder
Lime wedges, for lining the rim and garnish
1 ½ ounces mild mezcal (I recommend Del Maguey Vida)
2 ounces fresh orange juice
1 ounce fresh lime juice
Optional: 3 dashes of orange bitters (for extra orange flavor)
Optional: 1 to 3 teaspoons orange liqueur, simple syrup or agave nectar

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Instructions

To prepare your glasses: Pour some Tajín (or mix your salt/chili powder) on a small, rimmed plate. Run a wedge of lime around the top of each glass. Dip the top of the glass into the salt blend at a 45-degree angle and roll it from side to side to catch the salt. Add ice cubes to your glass and set it aside.
Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add the mezcal, orange juice, lime juice, orange bitters (if using) and optional sweetener (I usually prefer mine without—you can always add to taste after shaking). Securely fasten the lid and shake well.
Pour the mixture into your prepared glass and garnish with a lime wedge. Enjoy!

Notes

Recipe roughly adapted from my skinny margarita recipe.

▸ Nutrition Information

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