Mezcal-Spiked Citrus Cocktail with Hibiscus and Chili Salt Rim

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A bright and smoky mezcal cocktail combining fresh citrus juices, floral hibiscus syrup, and a spicy chili-salt rim for a refreshing Oaxacan-inspired drink. This mexican-inspired cocktails & drinks ready in about 5 minutes brings together mezcal, fresh lime juice, fresh orange juice 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 180 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.

Prep: 5 min Serves 1 Mexican cuisine 180 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small plate, combine 1 tsp chili powder and 1 tsp kosher salt; wet the rim of a rocks glass with 1 lime wedge and dip it into the chili-salt mixture to coat evenly; set aside.
  2. Step 2: Fill a cocktail shaker with 1 cup ice cubes; add 2 oz mezcal, 1 oz fresh lime juice, 1 oz fresh orange juice, 3/4 oz hibiscus syrup, and 1/2 oz agave syrup.
  3. Step 3: Shake vigorously for 15 seconds until the mixture is chilled and well combined.
  4. Step 4: Strain the cocktail into the prepared rocks glass over fresh ice if desired.
  5. Step 5: Garnish with a thin lime wheel or dried hibiscus flower and serve immediately.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Mezcal-Spiked Citrus Cocktail with Hibiscus and Chili Salt Rim take to make?

Total time is about 5 minutes (5 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 Mezcal-Spiked Citrus Cocktail with Hibiscus and Chili Salt Rim?

Refrigerate any leftover mezcal-spiked citrus cocktail with hibiscus and chili salt rim 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 Mezcal-Spiked Citrus Cocktail with Hibiscus and Chili Salt Rim?

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 Mezcal-Spiked Citrus Cocktail with Hibiscus and Chili Salt Rim 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 Mezcal-Spiked Citrus Cocktail with Hibiscus and Chili Salt Rim?

Mexican 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.