Hey there! I’m Anne Carter, and if you’ve been following my journey on Beyond the Bayou Blog, you know I’ve spent years working in restaurants before diving into food writing. Today, I’m excited to share my take on a mezcalita recipe with you.
This drink holds a special place in my heart, reminding me of warm summer evenings and good times with friends. I first stumbled upon it during a busy shift at a Mexican restaurant, and it quickly became my go-to for unwinding after a long day.
Now, I love mixing it up at home, tweaking the recipe to suit my mood. Sometimes I like it a bit smoky, other times I lean towards a fruitier version. The best part? It’s super easy to make, even if you’re new to cocktails.
So, grab your shaker, and let’s get mixing! Trust me, this mezcalita might just become your new favorite drink.
What Is Mezcal?
Mezcal is a distinct and flavorful spirit that stands out from standard tequila. While tequila is made exclusively from blue agave, mezcal can be crafted from a variety of agave plants. This versatile spirit hails mainly from the Oaxaca region in Mexico.
One of the defining characteristics of mezcal is its smoky flavor. This unique taste comes from its production process. The heart of the agave plant, known as the piña, is roasted to release its natural sugars. After roasting, the agave is crushed and fermented before undergoing distillation.
Mezcal’s smoky profile pairs beautifully with fresh fruits like citrus and pineapple, making it a great addition to a variety of cocktails. It’s mild yet mixable, enhancing the flavors of any drink it’s combined with.
My first experience with mezcal was in a pineapple mezcal margarita, and since then, I’ve enjoyed it in numerous craft cocktails, always returning to this classic recipe.
Mezcalita Cocktail Recipe
Equipment
- Cocktail shaker
- Jigger
- Citrus Juicer
- Mixing Spoon
Ingredients
- Lime wedges
- 2 ounces fresh orange juice
- 1 ½ ounces mild mezcal I recommend Del Maguey Vida
- 1 ounce fresh lime juice
- Tajín Clásico Seasoning
Instructions
- Prepare your glasses: Sprinkle Tajín (or mix salt/chili powder) on a small plate. Rim each glass with a lime wedge, then dip in the salt blend.
- Add ice cubes to the glasses and set aside.
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
- Pour in mezcal, orange juice, lime juice, and optional orange bitters and sweetener (to taste).
- Securely close the shaker and shake well.
- Strain the mixture into prepared glasses and garnish with a lime wedge. Enjoy your mezcalita!
Nutrition
Tips For Mezcalita Cocktails!
- Balance the Smokiness: If you’re hesitant about the smoky flavor of mezcal, try blending it with tequila. Using a mixture of tequila and mezcal can soften the smokiness while still giving you a taste of mezcal’s unique profile.
- Spice it Up: For an extra kick, add a few slices of fresh jalapeño pepper. This will infuse your mezcalita with a delightful heat that complements the smoky and fruity notes.
- Explore Flavor Variations: While pineapple juice is a classic choice, don’t hesitate to experiment with other fresh juices. Freshly pureed watermelon or orange juice can offer a refreshing twist and bring out different dimensions of the mezcal.
What To Serve With Mezcalita Cocktails?
