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This spicy carrot mezcal margarita is the perfect blend of smoky, spicy and savory. Think of it as the margarita version of a Bloody Mary. It’s the perfect healthy summer cocktail for BBQ’s or feeling something different.
Mezcal has become more popular in the United States recently. And with great reason! It tastes AH-mazing! Nowadays you can find creative mezcal uses, but my favorite is a mezcal margarita.
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I’m a huge fan of margaritas. That’s no secret! The first time I tried mezcal, I actually tried it in a mezcal margarita. I didn’t exactly know what mezcal was nor what it tasted like. I’d heard about it quite a lot. I also love tequila-based drinks so I thought “why not?!”
Real talk, a margarita with mezcal is magical. The smokiness of mezcal mixed with the acidic limes is the perfect combination. Once I tried it, I was hooked! The smoke of every sip is addicting! I find it adds depth to a cocktail and makes it more earthy.
Inspiration for this Spicy Mezcal Margarita with Carrot Juice
In California, I’m always trying new margarita flavors. The spicier, the better! Since moving here, I’ve been so interested in experimenting with margaritas. (PS - that is very selfish because I love trying them!)
I wanted to create the best recipes for a spicy margarita, a mezcal margarita, and a carrot juice cocktail. So of course I had to put all three together! It’s a healthy margarita with the taste of a Bloody Mary.
What is Mezcal?
Mezcal is any agave-based liquor. There are more than 30 different varieties of agave. The most common variety, agave espadín, actually accounts for the type used in almost 90% of mezcal.
FUN FACT! Agave is actually a type of succulent!
What is the difference between mezcal and tequila?
So, all tequila is mezcal, but not all mezcal is tequila… are you confused? Me too!
There are actually many differences between mezcal and tequila. They’re produced in different areas, distilled differently, and defined differently. Production of mezcal uses a variety of agaves. Tequila uses only one type: the blue agave aka agave tequilana.
Mezcal is produced in nine areas of Mexica, with about 95% produced in Oaxaca. Tequila is produced in five different regions, including Tequila, a town in Jalisco.
Mezcal and Tequila are produced typically using traditional methods from 400 years ago. For Tequila, agave steams inside industrial ovens and is then distilled a few times in clay pots. For Mezcal, the agave cooks inside earth pits with wood, charcoal and lava rocks. That's what gives the smoky taste.
Mezcal and Tequila are labeled differently. Mezcal is labeled as Joven (0-2 months), Reposado / Madurado (2-12 months), and Añejo (12+ months). Tequila is labeled as: Blanco (0-2 months), Reposado (2-12 months), Añejo (1-3 years), and Super Añejo (3+ years).
Is mezcal better than tequila?
Mezcal seems more premium than tequila because of its production methods. Mezcal is also typically more expensive than tequila. My favorite mezcal is Del Maguey Vida Mezcal. It was recently recommended to me by a friend who almost solely drinks mezcal.
What does mezcal taste like?
Mezcal tastes smoky and savory. If you’re familiar with tequila, that has a much sweeter taste than mezcal. Mezcal’s smoke can make it taste more tolerable for those who hesitate with tequila drinks.
How to make a carrot juice cocktail
This healthy cocktail recipe is super easy and fun to make! The bright orange color mixed with the dark green jalapeño make for the prettiest drink. It’s easy to make as pitcher margaritas with mezcal as well!
STEP ONE: Muddle jalapeños with the agave and lime juice.
STEP TWO: Add the mezcal, carrot juice and ice.
STEP TWO: Shake for 15-seconds.
STEP THREE: Strain into a glass filled with ice.
Ingredients & Substitutions
- MEZCAL. To make this a spicy mezcal margarita, mezcal is a must. If you’re not a fan of mezcal you can definitely use tequila.
- JALAPEÑOS. Keep the seeds in if you like spicier, but remove if you're not one for the heat.
- CARROT JUICE. I used my Nutribullet juicer (it's SO GOOD!) and juiced the carrots on turbo. You can definitely use pre-made carrot juice!
- LIMES. Limes help cut the savory taste of in this carrot juice cocktail and are essential to margaritas.
- AGAVE. The balance of savory and salty needs a hint of sweetness in this cocktail. If you don’t have agave try honey or simple syrup.
What to serve with spicy mezcal margaritas
For Easter Brunch: pair with sweet Red White and Blueberry Oatmeal Bake or Brunch Burgers. Or try savory Authentic Mexican Chilaquiles Rojos!
Other margaritas and drinks you may like
- 3-Ingredient Skinny Margarita
- Red Sangria Margarita
- Apple Pie Mezcal Margarita
- The Best Ranch Water Cocktail
- Cucumber Agua Fresca
- Orange Agua Fresca
📖 Recipe
Spicy Mezcal Margaritas with Carrot Juice
Equipment
- Cocktail Shaker
- Muddler
Ingredients
- 2 OZ Mezcal
- 2 OZ Carrot Juice
- 1 Limes juiced
- ½ OZ Agave
- 2 Slices Jalapeños read below re: seeds
Garnish (optional)
- Jalapeño Slice
- Baby Carrot
Instructions
- Add lime juice, agave and jalapeños into a cocktail shaker or mason jar.
- Muddle the jalapeños gently.
- Add ice, the carrot juice and mezcal.
- Shake for ~15-seconds.
- Strain into glass with ice.
- Garnish with jalapeño or baby carrot.