What does a smoky margarita taste like?
A smoky margarita tastes like a classic margarita with a campfire in the background: tart lime and orange, with mezcal adding smoke and an earthy edge.
Smoky margarita
margarita with campfire smoke
A smoky margarita swaps some or all of the tequila for mezcal, the agave spirit that gets its smoke from roasting agave hearts in earth pits. The rest is the usual lime, orange liqueur and a touch of sweetness. The smoke shows up on the nose and at the end of each sip, while the middle still tastes bright and citrusy. Half tequila, half mezcal versions are gentler. All mezcal is bolder and earthier. Some bars add a smoked salt rim, which makes the smoke even louder.
Where you’ll see it
At Mexican restaurants and cocktail bars, often listed as a mezcal margarita, served on the rocks with a salt, smoked salt or chili salt rim and a lime wheel.
Order it if you like margaritas but want more depth and a little smoke.
Quick questions
- What makes a smoky margarita smoky?
- Mezcal. Its agave is roasted in pits over wood before it is fermented and distilled, which gives it a smoky flavor tequila usually lacks.
- Is a smoky margarita stronger than a regular one?
- About the same. Mezcal is sometimes a bit higher proof than tequila, but the recipe is otherwise the same.