Espazote Mezcal Margarita: A Smoky Twist on the Classic
Okay, if you love margaritas and you're into mezcal, this cocktail is about to be your new favorite drink. I mean, who can resist the smoky, earthy goodness of mezcal paired with the fresh, zesty kick of a classic margarita, and then—wait for it—the herbaceous touch of espazote? It’s like your taste buds are getting a little party all on their own.
Espazote is an underrated herb with a flavor that’s bold, citrusy, and just the right amount of savory. It’s often used in Mexican cooking, especially in beans (because it helps with digestion!), but it’s also an unexpected, yet delicious, addition to cocktails.
Ready to shake things up? Let’s get into it.
🍸 What You’ll Need (1 Serving)
2 oz mezcal
1 oz fresh lime juice
1 oz agave syrup (or simple syrup if you prefer, but agave adds a nice flavor that compliments the mezcal)
1/2 oz Cointreau or triple sec
2-3 fresh espazote leaves
Ice
Salt or Tajín (optional, for rimming the glass)
Espazote leaf for garnish (or a lime wheel)
Where to Find Espazote:
Espazote can be a bit tricky to find if you're not living near a large Latin market, but don’t worry—there are a few ways to get your hands on it!
Mexican or Latin American Grocery Stores: If you have one nearby, head straight to the fresh herb section. Espazote is commonly used in Mexican cooking, especially in dishes like beans and stews, so Latin markets are your best bet.
Online Herb Shops: If you're not able to find it locally, you can always order dried espazote or sometimes even fresh from online retailers like Etsy, Amazon, or specialty herb shops.
Grow Your Own: If you're a home gardener (or even a beginner), espazote is super easy to grow! It loves warm weather and doesn’t need a lot of maintenance. Plus, it’s always nice to have a fresh supply on hand for your next batch of cocktails!
✨ Let’s Make It
Step 1: Muddle the Espazote
Take your fresh espazote leaves and muddle them gently in the bottom of your shaker. You want to release the oils and flavors without shredding them too much. If you don't have a muddler, a spoon will do the trick.
Pro Tip: Espazote has a pretty strong flavor, so don’t over-muddle. You want the herb to infuse, not overwhelm!
Step 2: Add the Other Ingredients
Once your espazote is muddled and aromatic, add the mezcal, lime juice, agave syrup, and Cointreau (or triple sec) into the shaker. Fill it with ice to the top and shake vigorously for about 10-15 seconds. You want it nice and chilled.
Step 3: Rim Your Glass
While your cocktail is chilling, you can prep your glass. I love to rim mine with salt or Tajín (because a little heat never hurt anyone), but if you're not feeling that, just leave it plain or opt for sugar for a more classic touch.
To rim the glass, just rub a lime wedge around the rim and dip it into your salt or Tajín.
Step 4: Strain and Serve
Strain the cocktail into your salted or Tajín-rimmed glass filled with fresh ice. The strained liquid should be a beautiful greenish-gold color.
Step 5: Garnish and Enjoy
Garnish your Espazote Mezcal Margarita with either a fresh espazote leaf or a lime wheel (or both if you’re feeling extra). That’s it! You're ready to sip and savor.
🦐 Pairing Suggestions:
Pair it with grilled shrimp, spicy tacos, or anything with a bit of heat to balance out the smokiness of the mezcal.
For a fun twist, serve it alongside a small bite of chocolate or even spicy dark chocolate—it’s a match made in flavor heaven!