Chili-Infused Mezcal Margarita
A smoky mezcal margarita with a spicy kick from fresh chili and a hint of lime, perfect for adventurous palates. This cocktails-inspired cocktails & drinks ready in about 7 minutes brings together mezcal, fresh lime juice, agave nectar for a refreshing, crowd-pleasing drink — a bright, easy pour for parties, gatherings, or any warm-weather afternoon when you want something festive without alcohol-only options. Each serving lands at about 160 calories and feeds 1, so it works for entertaining, brunch, or a non-alcoholic option at the bar cart. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 2 oz mezcal
- 1 oz fresh lime juice
- 0.75 oz agave nectar
- 2 thin slices fresh red chili slices
- 0.5 oz orange liqueur (Cointreau or Triple Sec)
- for rimming kosher salt
Instructions
- Step 1: Rub a lime wedge around the rim of a rocks glass and dip it into kosher salt to coat evenly. Set aside.
- Step 2: In a cocktail shaker, muddle 2 thin slices of fresh red chili gently to release heat but not over-pulverize.
- Step 3: Fill the shaker with ice cubes to the brim, then pour in 2 oz mezcal, 1 oz fresh lime juice, 0.75 oz agave nectar, and 0.5 oz orange liqueur.
- Step 4: Shake vigorously for 12 seconds until the shaker is cold and slightly frosty.
- Step 5: Strain the cocktail into the prepared rocks glass over fresh large ice cubes.
- Step 6: Garnish with a thin wheel of lime placed on the rim and a small chili slice floated on top.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Chili-Infused Mezcal Margarita take to make?
Total time is about 7 minutes (7 min prep + 0 min cook). Most home bartenders find this fits a single afternoon; scale up the batch for parties or pitchers.
How do I store leftover Chili-Infused Mezcal Margarita?
Refrigerate any leftover chili-infused mezcal margarita in a sealed pitcher or jar for up to 3–4 days. Do not reheat — drinks are served chilled. If the recipe uses sparkling water or fresh herbs, hold those back and add fresh just before pouring so the drink stays bright and fizzy.
Can I substitute ingredients in Chili-Infused Mezcal Margarita?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Chili-Infused Mezcal Margarita for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 1 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 1). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Chili-Infused Mezcal Margarita?
Cocktails cocktails & drinks like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
