Simple Mezcalita Recipe

This simple mezcalita recipe is so easy to whip up, and I love the use of mezcal in this recipe! It makes it the perfect margarita for the fall. 

You’ll love this mezcalita

It’s easy to make. All you need is a few ingredients and this mezcalita recipe comes together in no time!
It’s delicious. If you love mezcal, you’ll love this combination of fresh citrus juices with the smoky mezcal flavor. 

It’s customizable. I use orange juice for this more traditional mezcalita recipe, but I’ve included some variations below so you can make this to your liking!

Ingredients

Mezcal. You can purchase mezcal at any liquor store! If you’re looking for semi-affordable, under $40 options, I love referencing this article!  

Orange Liqueur. You can use orange liqueur like a triple sec or Cointreau.

Lime Juice. Fresh is best! Always fresh-squeeze your lime juice for cocktails. I recently got this citrus juicer and love it if you’re looking for an easy way to get that fresh juice. 

Orange Juice. Just like the lime juice, freshly squeezed orange juice makes all the difference! If you don’t want to fresh-squeeze orange juice, many grocery stores have freshly squeezed OJ available, or I really love Simply Orange. 

Light Agave Nectar. I love adding just a touch of light agave nectar to really bring together the sweetness of the citrus juices with the smokiness of the mezcal. 

How to make a mezcalita cocktail

1. Rim a margarita glass with Tajin. Set aside.
2. In a cocktail shaker, pour in your mezcal, orange liqueur, lime juice, orange juice, and light agave nectar. 
3. Add ice to the shaker and shake vigorously.
4. Strain into your margarita glass filled with fresh ice.
5. Garnish and enjoy!

What's the difference between a margarita and a Mezcalita?

The main difference between a mezcalita and a margarita is the use of mezcal, and therefore the smoky flavor. A mezcalita uses mezcal, so you get that smoky flavor. Additionally, a traditional margarita is more lime-forward in its taste; you don’t often see a margarita made with orange juice. A mezcalita features more orange juice ,so you get that smoky orange flavor. 

Substitutions and variations

Orange Juice. You can always use pineapple juice or mango juice instead, too!

Light Agave Nectar. I always love using honey if I don’t have any light agave nectar at home.

Garnish ideas

• Dried lime wheel
• Fresh orange slice

How to make a big batch of this mezcalita

Now, mezcal may not be the best big batch cocktail to make for a crowd… I feel like it’s highly polarizing. 

FAQs

What's in a Mezcalita?

A mezcalita is a combination of tequila, orange liqueur, lime juice, orange juice, and light agave nectar. 

What does Mezcalita taste like?

A mezcalita is a delicious combination of smoky sweetness. You get the smoky flavor from the mezcal and then the sweetness from the fresh citrus juices and light agave nectar. 

Pin it for later!

Try swapping tequila for mezcal in one of these recipes!

• Watermelon Tequila Spritzer
• Tequila and Sprite
• Pineapple Ranch Water