If we look back in history, the margarita was inspired by a popular Mexican and American fusion drink, the Daisy. (Margarita is Spanish for “daisy”). A Daisy cocktail is usually made from brandy or gin, mixed with a citrus juice, and (sometimes) complemented with club soda and sweetened simple syrups.
Today, a margarita found on any drink menu is just about guaranteed to be made with tequila, which comes from the blue agave plant. Orange juice, orange liqueur like Cointreau or Triple Sec, lime juice, agave syrup, club soda, tequila; these are the ingredients you’ll most likely find listed in a margarita description. That's not even considering all the funky flavors that you can get your margaritas in, from grapefruit and jalapeño margaritas to pineapple margaritas. And hey, we have absolutely nothing against a classic, tequila-based margarita. They’ve served us well and will always have a special place in our hearts.
But we’re not looking back, nor are we looking at just any old drink menu. We’re looking forward. Specifically, we’re looking at the newest variation of the margarita with a different liquor made from the agave plant: the Mezcal Margarita. It’s ok if you’ve never heard of Mezcal Margaritas before. We’re here to give you a grand introduction.
The Rule of Three Margarita
Drumroll, please! The Rule of Three Margarita.
Let us happily introduce you to your new favorite variation of the margarita and probably your new favorite cocktail in general, too: the Rule of Three Margarita.
The Rule of Three Margarita is the perfect Mezcal Margarita. Are you familiar with the saying, “good things come in 3’s” or “third time’s the charm?” There’s something about “three’s” that just...works. To support this claim, let us direct your attention to our two highly scientific, extremely research-backed, and absurdly accurate favorite rules of three:
Rule of three #1: Agave, water, and lots of love.
Rule of three #2: Mezcal Rosaluna, lime juice, and agave syrup.
Agave, water, and love are the only ingredients that go into our famous Mezcal. Three ingredients and a little magic are all it takes.
Mezcal Rosaluna, lime juice, and agave syrup are the only three ingredients that go into the perfect Mezcal Margarita. Without further ado, it’s time we share this oh-so-famous margarita recipe with you.
1. Gather Your Ingredients
Step one: gather your ingredients.
You’ll need:
- 2 oz Mezcal Rosaluna
- 1 oz Lime juice
- 1 oz Agave syrup
- Garnish: Lime wheel and pink sea salt (half the rim only)
- 2 parts Agave nectar light
- 1 part Water
Mezcal Rosaluna. The star ingredient. It’s bright and brilliant and everything you’d hope it to be. Are you ready for another rule of three? The best three flavor profiles you’ll ever experience—earthy agave, complex aroma, and smooth finish.
Earthy agave. Roasted agave hearts and their delicious smokiness and caramel notes lead the way, while spices like ginger and cinnamon are woven throughout.
Complex aroma. With notes of citrus, tropical fruits, pineapple, and pear, this Mezcal brings us bright notes that everyone enjoys.
Smooth finish. Leading with a hint of agave smoke, Rosaluna finishes with subtle layers of sweet fruit and baking spice.
Lime juice. An ingredient so simple, yet so crucial. Before it’s even considered, let’s just clarify that store-bought lime juice is worse than no lime juice at all. Fresh lime juice is always a must for any and all alcoholic drinks. While so many people enjoy alcoholic beverages regularly, very few know how to choose a ripe lime. Let us help.
Limes do not ripen after they have been picked off the tree. So, unlike bananas, you can’t pick up just any old one and bring it home to finish ripening—it won’t happen. To choose the best, ripest lime with the most “oomph,” we must evaluate the color, weight, smell, and texture.
A bright green color is best. Limes ripen in the opposite way than you may expect; they start green and develop into more of a yellow. So, avoid the yellows, and avoid the dark greens, find that happy medium. Heavier limes are better because heavier equals juicier. In terms of smell, a ripe lime will smell like a lime. A lack of smell indicates a likely under-ripe lime. Finally, feel the skin. The lime should give a little when squeezed with thumb pressure—avoid limes that aren’t squeezable or too squeezable. Lastly, the skin should be smooth and shiny. We know, that was a lot—but with a little bit of practice, you’ll get the hang of it.
Agave syrup. Because nothing is ever wrong with a little sweetness, right? Right. And by using equal parts lime juice and agave, you'll be sure to hit the perfect sweetness level.
2. Rim Your Glass
Step two: rim your glass.
Ah, the little final touches that make all the difference. Time for some decor and #aesthetic.
Adding sea salt around half of the rim of a glass will help to highlight the sweet notes of Mezcal in your margarita. Not to mention: salt simply makes all flavors better, and a rimmed glass looks v chic, too.
Grab an extra lime (that you’ve oh so carefully picked) and slice up a few lime wheels. The margarita only needs one on the rim of the rocks glass, but if anything, extra sliced lime looks cool on a side plate. It’s about setting the mood and creating a vibe, too.
3. Shake Things Up a Bit
Step three: shake things up a bit.
Maybe you’re fancy and have a cocktail shaker. If so, lucky you. Go ahead and grab it.
Combine all of your ingredients and shake them together with ice cubes. Don’t be shy—really give it a good shake. Have a dance party. Have fun with it. Get excited because you’re about to take the first sip of your new favorite drink: our beloved Mezcal Margarita.
4. Pour, Cheers, and Enjoy
Step four: pour, cheers, and enjoy.
This is the fun part. You’ve crafted your first Mezcal Margarita. Maybe you’re slightly hesitant, but more than anything: you’re excited. Cheers to trying new things.
We highly recommend enjoying this Rule of Three Margarita with good company (even if it’s just on Zoom. Friends, family, pets, whoever makes you smile. It may have to be a virtual hangout, meaning you won’t be able to shake your guests’ cocktails for them. Bummer, but that’s what links are for.
As much fun as it would be to keep this recipe and all the smoky flavor that comes along with it all to yourself, sharing is caring. And in the midst of the most stressful holiday season yet—spreading the Mezcal Margarita love is just the right thing to do. So click the link above and press copy and paste, boo—your friends deserve this Magic, too. Side note: It may be tempting to carry on our “rule of three” philosophy and have three of these Margaritas. Please always enjoy responsibly. Know your limit. Play within it—it’s more fun that way.
You’ll Never Go Back
Soon this won’t be your “Mezcal Margarita” recipe. The Mezcal part will be a given.
We love Mezcal for its artful simplicity, and our take on the classic Mexican Margarita is no different. With just three ingredients, a simple garnish, and a good shake, you’ve now got one less thing to worry about.
So raise your glass, and let’s cheers to the beauty of simplicity. For the Mezcal newbie, the Mezcal connoisseur, and everyone in between, after this Mezcal Margarita, there’s just no going back.
External Sources:
https://www.smithsonianmag.com/arts-culture/the-history-of-the-margarita-57990212/
http://bringlimes.com/the-good-stuff/2017/2/20/how-to-choose-and-juice-limes
