Fresh Mezcalitas – the Perfect Summer Time Mezcal Cocktail to try this Year!

Fresh Mezcalitas – the Perfect Summer Time Mezcal Cocktail to try this Year!

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.

The Perfect Mix for Mezcalita

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.

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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.

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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.

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Mezcalitas Recipe
Yield: 1 Drink
Prep time: 5 mins
Total time: 5 mins

This signature cocktail is made with Mezcal and fresh fruit juices. It's sweet and slightly smoky with a kick of spice.

4/5
5 from 3 votes
Print RecipePrint Recipe
Ingredients
Directions
  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. Pour the mixture into your prepared glass and garnish with a lime wedge. Enjoy!

Notes

Nutritional information does not include garnishes or salted rim.

Nutrition

CALORIES: 233KCAL, CARBOHYDRATES: 20G, PROTEIN: 1G, FAT: 1G, SATURATED FAT: 1G, SODIUM: 3MG, POTASSIUM: 58MG, FIBER: 1G, SUGAR: 16G, VITAMIN A: 15IU, VITAMIN C: 10MG, CALCIUM: 6MG, IRON: 1MG

*Nutritional information is an estimate. Please consult a doctor or nutritionist for the most accurate nutritional info."
Course: Drinks
Cuisine: Mexican
If you try this recipe, don’t forget to leave a review below or share a photo and tag @mezcalpro on Instagram.
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Alex
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