Strawberry Mezcal Margarita: The Ultimate Recipe & Guide

Strawberry Mezcal Margarita: Prepare to be transported to a sun-drenched paradise with a smoky twist! Forget everything you thought you knew about margaritas because this vibrant cocktail is about to redefine your happy hour. Imagine the sweet, juicy burst of ripe strawberries mingling with the intriguing smokiness of mezcal, all rounded out by the tangy lime and a hint of agave nectar. It’s a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more.

While the classic margarita boasts a rich history rooted in Mexico, our Strawberry Mezcal Margarita offers a modern, sophisticated take on this beloved beverage. Mezcal, the margarita’s smoky cousin, has been enjoyed in Mexico for centuries, often reserved for special occasions and celebrations. By combining it with the universally loved strawberry, we’ve created a drink that’s both familiar and excitingly new.

People adore margaritas for their refreshing taste and ability to instantly evoke a sense of relaxation. The Strawberry Mezcal Margarita elevates this experience with its complex flavor profile. The sweetness of the strawberries perfectly balances the smokiness of the mezcal, creating a drink that’s both sophisticated and incredibly easy to enjoy. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue, celebrating a special occasion, or simply unwinding after a long day, this Strawberry Mezcal Margarita is the perfect cocktail to share (or keep all to yourself!).

Ingredients:

• For the Strawberry Puree:
• 1 pound fresh strawberries, hulled
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar (or more, to taste)
• 1 tablespoon lime juice, freshly squeezed
• For the Margarita:
• 4 ounces mezcal (I prefer a smoky reposado)
• 2 ounces Cointreau (or other orange liqueur)
• 2 ounces fresh lime juice
• 2 ounces strawberry puree (from above)
• 1 ounce agave nectar (or simple syrup, to taste)
• Ice cubes
• For the Garnish (optional):
• Lime wedges
• Strawberry slices
• Salt or sugar for rimming the glasses (I like a chili-lime salt!)

Preparing the Strawberry Puree:

This is the foundation of our delicious margarita, so let’s get it right! Using fresh, ripe strawberries is key for the best flavor.

1. Wash and Hull the Strawberries: Thoroughly wash the strawberries under cold water. Then, carefully remove the green hulls using a paring knife or a strawberry huller. Make sure you get all the green parts off, as they can be a bit bitter.
2. Combine Ingredients: In a blender or food processor, combine the hulled strawberries, granulated sugar, and lime juice. The lime juice helps to brighten the flavor and prevent the puree from browning.
3. Blend Until Smooth: Blend the mixture until it is completely smooth. You shouldn’t have any chunks of strawberries remaining. If you’re using a food processor, you might need to scrape down the sides a few times to ensure everything is evenly pureed.
4. Taste and Adjust: Taste the puree and adjust the sweetness as needed. If the strawberries are particularly tart, you might want to add a little more sugar. If it’s too sweet, add a tiny squeeze of lime juice. Remember, you can always add more, but you can’t take it away!
5. Strain (Optional): For an extra smooth puree, you can strain it through a fine-mesh sieve. This will remove any seeds or remaining bits of strawberry. I usually skip this step, but it’s up to you!
6. Chill: Cover the strawberry puree and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes. This will allow the flavors to meld together and the puree to chill, which is important for a refreshing margarita. You can make this puree a day or two in advance and store it in the refrigerator.

Preparing the Margarita:

Now for the fun part! This is where we combine all the ingredients to create our amazing Strawberry Mezcal Margarita. Don’t be afraid to experiment with the ratios to find your perfect balance of sweet, sour, and smoky.

1. Prepare the Glasses (Optional): If you want to rim your glasses with salt or sugar, now is the time to do it. Pour some salt or sugar onto a small plate. Rub a lime wedge around the rim of each glass, then dip the rim into the salt or sugar, rotating the glass to coat it evenly.
2. Combine Ingredients in a Cocktail Shaker: Fill a cocktail shaker with ice cubes. Add the mezcal, Cointreau, lime juice, strawberry puree, and agave nectar.
3. Shake Well: Secure the lid on the cocktail shaker and shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds. This will chill the margarita and properly combine all the ingredients. You should hear the ice rattling around inside the shaker.
4. Strain into Glasses: Strain the margarita into the prepared glasses filled with ice. You can use a cocktail strainer or simply pour carefully, holding back the ice with a spoon.
5. Garnish: Garnish each margarita with a lime wedge and a strawberry slice. Get creative with your garnishes! You could also add a sprig of mint or a small edible flower.
6. Serve Immediately: Enjoy your delicious Strawberry Mezcal Margarita immediately!

Tips and Variations:

Want to customize your margarita even further? Here are a few ideas:

• Adjust the Sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter margarita, add more agave nectar or simple syrup. If you prefer a tarter margarita, add more lime juice.
• Spice it Up: Add a pinch of chili powder to the strawberry puree or rim the glasses with chili-lime salt for a spicy kick.
• Use Different Fruit: Substitute other berries for the strawberries, such as raspberries, blueberries, or blackberries.
• Make it a Mocktail: Omit the mezcal and Cointreau for a refreshing non-alcoholic strawberry margarita. You can add a splash of club soda or sparkling water for some fizz.
• Frozen Margarita: Blend all the ingredients with ice for a frozen margarita. You may need to adjust the amount of liquid depending on the power of your blender.
• Infuse your Mezcal: For an extra layer of flavor, infuse your mezcal with strawberries. Simply combine sliced strawberries and mezcal in a jar and let it sit for a few days in the refrigerator. Strain before using.
• Use Different Types of Mezcal: Experiment with different types of mezcal to find your favorite flavor profile. A joven mezcal will have a brighter, more agave-forward flavor, while a reposado mezcal will have a smoother, more complex flavor with hints of oak. An añejo mezcal will be the most aged and have the richest, most complex flavor.

Choosing Your Mezcal:

The type of mezcal you choose will significantly impact the flavor of your margarita. Here’s a quick guide:

• Joven (Blanco/Silver): This is unaged mezcal, bottled immediately after distillation. It has a bright, agave-forward flavor with notes of citrus and herbs. It’s a good choice if you want the strawberry flavor to really shine through.
• Reposado (Rested): This mezcal is aged in oak barrels for 2-12 months. It has a smoother, more complex flavor than joven mezcal, with hints of vanilla, caramel, and spice. It adds a nice depth of flavor to the margarita. This is my personal favorite for this recipe.
• Añejo (Aged): This mezcal is aged in oak barrels for over a year. It has the richest, most complex flavor of all the mezcal types, with notes of oak, chocolate, and dried fruit. It’s a good choice if you want a more sophisticated and nuanced margarita. However, the strong flavor might overpower the strawberry.

Making it Ahead:

You can prepare the strawberry puree and even pre-mix the margarita base (without ice) a few hours ahead of time. Store the puree and the margarita base in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve. When you’re ready to serve, simply shake the margarita base with ice and strain into glasses.

Serving Suggestions:

This Strawberry Mezcal Margarita is perfect for a summer party, a Cinco de Mayo celebration, or just a relaxing evening at home. Serve it with your favorite Mexican dishes, such as tacos, enchiladas, or guacamole. It also pairs well with grilled seafood or chicken.

I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as I do! Cheers!

Conclusion:

This Strawberry Mezcal Margarita isn’t just another cocktail; it’s a vibrant, smoky, and utterly irresistible experience that deserves a prime spot in your repertoire. The sweetness of fresh strawberries perfectly balances the earthy notes of the mezcal, creating a complex and refreshing drink that’s perfect for any occasion. From casual backyard barbecues to sophisticated dinner parties, this margarita is guaranteed to impress. Why is this a must-try? Because it’s a unique twist on a classic, offering a depth of flavor you won’t find in your average margarita. The mezcal adds a smoky dimension that elevates the drink to a whole new level, while the strawberries provide a natural sweetness and beautiful color. It’s easy to make, requires minimal ingredients, and delivers maximum impact. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll be hooked! But the fun doesn’t stop there! Feel free to experiment with variations to make it your own. For a spicier kick, add a few slices of jalapeño to the shaker. If you prefer a sweeter drink, add a touch more agave nectar. You can also rim the glass with chili lime salt for an extra burst of flavor. Serving Suggestions: * Serve chilled in a salt-rimmed glass. * Garnish with a fresh strawberry slice and a lime wedge. * Pair it with spicy Mexican dishes like tacos or enchiladas. * For a non-alcoholic version, substitute the mezcal with a smoky tea or a non-alcoholic tequila alternative. * Make a large batch for parties and store it in the refrigerator until ready to serve. Variations to Explore: * Strawberry Basil Margarita: Add a few fresh basil leaves to the shaker for a herbaceous twist. * Spicy Strawberry Margarita: Muddle a few slices of jalapeño with the strawberries before shaking. * Frozen Strawberry Margarita: Blend all the ingredients with ice for a refreshing frozen treat. * Strawberry Coconut Margarita: Add a splash of coconut cream for a tropical flavor. I truly believe this Strawberry Mezcal Margarita will become your new go-to cocktail. It’s the perfect blend of sweet, smoky, and refreshing, and it’s sure to impress your friends and family. The combination of the sweet strawberries and the smoky mezcal is simply divine, and the variations allow you to customize it to your own taste. So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients, dust off your shaker, and get ready to experience margarita perfection. I’m confident you’ll love this recipe as much as I do. I’m so excited for you to try this recipe! And I’d absolutely love to hear about your experience. Did you try any of the variations? Did you pair it with a particular dish? Share your photos and stories in the comments below! Let me know what you think, and don’t forget to tag me in your social media posts. Happy mixing! Print