A few years ago we experimented by mixing some Mezcal Margaritas to produce our ultimate cocktail recipe for the smoky agave-based spirit. You can find the recipe here. Recently, ace producers El Recuerdo Mezcal have being conjuring their own cocktails to celebrate Mexican Independence Day (or ‘Grito de Dolores’ as they say in Oaxaca*) which is celebrated on September 16th.
Among their inspired creations is a rather unique take on the Mezcal Margarita, created for them by drinks writer Jonathan Hatchman. Obviously, it’s not quite up there with our recipe, but if you’re looking for something a bit more showy then we have to admit this one is pretty good.
Besides the ingredients shared with our recipe – Mezcal, orange liqueur, lime and salt – this Margarita includes Champagne, for some posh bubbles, and strawberries, to give it a fruity pink twist. The recipe also suggests you use smoked salt to rim the glass and accentuate the smoky notes of the Mezcal, but we’re sure no-one would mind if you went smoke-free with your sodium chloride rim.
El Recuerdo is a very decent Mezcal that won’t set you back too many pesos. It has classic espadin agave flavours that are akin to grass, green bell peppers and some sort of herby / mineral thing, with a load of smoke running through them all. It’s very well suited to cocktails and would work a treat in our recipe, besides starring in this creation.
How to make a Strawberry and Champagne Mezcal Margarita
Ingredients (serves two)
60ml El Recuerdo Mezcal
25ml lime juice
25ml Cointreau or triple sec
6 strawberries, plus 1 to garnish (optional)
Champagne, to taste (alternatively use Prosecco or another sparkling wine)
Salt (smoked salt if you have it)
1 lime, zest and juice
Method
Mix a generous pinch of both salt and lime zest on a small plate or saucer. Rub a little lime juice around the rim of each Margarita glass, then tip the empty glasses upside down on the plate and rotate to create the salt/lime rim.
Add six of the strawberries to a cocktail shaker and crush using a muddler or rolling pin. Add the El Recuerdo Mezcal, lime juice, Cointreau or triple sec and a handful of ice, then stir for 30 seconds until completely incorporated.
Strain into the prepared glasses and top with Champagne. Garnish with a sliced strawberry half.
Salud!
El Recuerdo Mezcal is available here
*Oaxaca is Mexico’s famous Mezcal producing region and home of El Recuerdo
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