Nothing sends your basic cocktail recipes for a spin quite like a Smoked Mezcal Margarita. The refreshing mezcal and triple sec combined with the smoky notes from the grilled pineapple is a fun twist on the traditional margarita that you won’t be able to get enough of.
If you couldn’t tell, we’re obsessed with a good margarita! Whether we’re feeling fruity and craving a blueberry margarita or getting in a cozy mood and whipping up an apple cider margarita, we know how to make a cocktail that will leave you speechless. For this Smoked Mezcal Margarita, we’re switching things up a bit. Not only are we making yet another margarita, we’re adding a hint of smoke, similar to our other smoked cocktails but without the wood chips. Trust us, adding a smoky spin to this delicious drink is just what you need to unwind after a long day.
What Is a Smoked Mezcal Margarita?
Making a Smoked Mezcal Margarita consists of grilling an entire pineapple, giving you a smooth, smoky flavor in each sip. Sounds divine, right? We love adding smoke to our cocktails because it jazzes up any drink. With the touch of sweetness from the orange liqueur combined with the smoke-infused pineapple simple syrup, this drink produces the perfect balance of flavors even the snobbiest of cocktail connoisseurs will appreciate. Let’s get to crafting our cocktails, shall we?
What You Need to Make a Smoked Mezcal Margarita
For the smoked pineapple simple syrup
- Pineapple
- Sugar
- Water
- Szechuan Peppercorns
- Serrano Pepper
For the margarita
- Mezcal – Tequila’s smokier cousin. Use your favorite brand.
- Triple Sec
- Limeade – For a tangy twist.
- Smoked Pineapple Simple Syrup
For Garnish
- Sea Salt – For rimming the edge of the glass.
- Sliced Smoked Pineapple
- Lime Peel Twist
- Ice
How to Make a Smoked Mezcal Margarita
Smoke the Pineapple
To prepare the grill for smoking, set the temperature to a gentle 250 degrees Fahrenheit, creating the perfect environment for infusing smoky goodness.
With the grill prepped and ready, place the whole pineapple onto the grates. Close the lid, and let the magic happen as the pineapple immerses itself in the aromatic haze.
Allow the fruit to smoke for 2 hours, ensuring even exposure to the smoke by gently rotating it every 30 minutes.
Slice Pineapple into Wedges
Once the smoking process is complete, carefully remove the pineapple from the grill and allow it to cool for approximately 15 minutes, ensuring it is safe to handle. As the fruit reaches a comfortable temperature, grab your knife and slice the pineapple into delectable wedges.
Make the Simple Syrup
In a heatproof pot, combine the sugar and water, forming the foundation for a sweet concoction. Set the heat to low and allow the mixture to simmer gently, patiently stirring until the sugar dissolves completely.
Combine the Pineapple, Peppercorns, and Pepper
Add pineapple slices, Szechuan peppercorns, and sliced serrano to the syrup. Stir the ingredients together, ensuring they are well combined.
Afterward, allow the mixture to sit undisturbed for 30 to 40 minutes. This resting period will enable the flavors to meld together, resulting in a delightful combination of sweetness and spiciness.
Strain
Once the mixture is ready, strain it into a jar, removing any solids or impurities. Keep the pineapple and pepper slices for garnishing, but throw the peppercorns away.
Craft the Cocktail
Start by grabbing a pitcher and filling it up with ice. Now, we craft our cocktails.
Add 1 cup of mezcal, ½ cup of triple sec, ½ cup of limeade, and ¼ cup of smoked pineapple simple syrup into the pitcher.
Give it a good stir so that all the flavors mingle together beautifully. Don’t forget to garnish it with some pineapple wedges and sliced serrano for that extra zing.
Now, grab your favorite salt-rimmed glasses and pour this delightful concoction in. And to make it look even more fancy, add a slice of pineapple and a lime twist on the rim of your glass or use a toothpick.
Watch: How to make this Mezcal Margarita
Expert Tips
- Add a splash of grapefruit juice, orange juice, or any other fresh citrus juice for a bright, tangy twist!
- Need a pop of sweetness? Add some agave syrup.
- Swap Grand Marnier for triple sec for a deeper flavor!
- Pour a splash of club soda on top for extra fizz!
- Make a spicy salt rim by adding some chili powder to your salt.
What to Serve With a Smoked Margarita
The spiciness from the serrano peppers and Szechuan peppercorns pair perfectly with this enchilada pasta skillet or these barbecue chicken taquitos. On the other hand, the sweetness of the pineapple simple syrup would compliment dishes like this chipotle apple chili with honey cornbread or these pineapple beef kabobs.
Recipe FAQs
Absolutely! To make a frozen margarita, throw your ingredients into a blender with some ice! Garnish with grilled pineapple wedges and Serrano peppers for the ultimate smoky flavor.
Of course! There isn’t a major difference between Szechuan peppercorns and black peppercorns except for the tingling sensation that Szechuan peppercorns produce when consumed. As a result, their flavor profile is enhanced slightly. However, black peppercorns work just as well and produce a similar flavor profile!
Yes! You can always add a splash of maple syrup or agave nectar to sweeten things up!
Mezcal is like tequila’s more mysterious, smoky cousin, even though they’re both distilled from agave. Mezcal is a great option for this recipe because the grilled pineapple blends perfectly with the smokiness from the alcohol. However, if you can’t find mezcal or prefer the taste of tequila, feel free to use it instead!
More Margarita Recipes to Try
This smoked mezcal margarita is a captivating and delicious cocktail that takes the classic margarita to the next level with its complex flavors and smoky allure. Whether enjoyed on a hot summer day or during a fun-filled happy hour, the smoked mezcal margarita is sure to become your new favorite cocktail. Also, please rate the recipe card and leave a comment below to help out the next reader!
Smoked Mezcal Margarita Cocktail
Ingredients
For the smoked pineapple simple syrup
- 1 pineapple
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup water
- 1 tsp Szechuan peppercorns
- 1 Serrano pepper sliced thine
For the margarita
- 2 oz Mezcal
- 1 oz Triple Sec
- 4 oz Limeade
- 1 oz Smoked Pineapple Simple Syrup
Instructions
Smoke the pineapple
- Prep the grill to smoke and set the temp for 250 degrees F.
- Place the whole pineapple on the grill, and close the lid.
- Allow the pineapple to smoke for 2 hours, rotating every 30 minutes.
- Remove the pineapple from the grill and allow to cool for 15 minutes, until safe to handle.
- Slice the pineapple into wedges.
Make the simple syrup
- Meanwhile, place the sugar and water in a heatproof pot.
- Simmer over low heat until the sugar dissolves.
- Add pineapple slices, Szechuan peppercorns, and sliced serrano to the syrup and stir to combine.
- Allow to sit for 30 to 40 minutes.
- Strain into a jar. Keep the pineapple and pepper slices for later. Discard the peppercorns.
Make the mezcal margarita
- Fill a pitcher with ice.
- Add 1 cup mezcal, ½ cup triple sec, ½ cup limeade, and ¼ cup smoked pineapple simple syrup.
- Stir to combine.
- Garnish with pineapple wedges and sliced serrano.
- Pour into salt-rimmed glasses and garnish with a slice of pineapple and a lime twist on the rim of the glass or on a toothpick.
- Serve and enjoy
Video
Notes
- Add a splash of grapefruit juice, orange juice, or any other fresh citrus juice for a bright, tangy twist!
- Need a pop of sweetness? Add some agave syrup.
- Swap Grand Marnier for triple sec for a deeper flavor!
- Pour a splash of club soda on top for extra fizz!
- Make a spicy salt rim by adding some chili powder to your salt.
