This Habanero-Spiked Mezcal Margarita Delivers Quite the Kick

If a spicy margarita is your go-to, you do want this smoke. Featuring mezcal—an agave-based spirit that resembles blanco tequila with a bit of vegetal sass—it’s practically a road trip in a glass, paying homage to three key points in Mexico.

From north to south, the recipe was devised in San Miguel de Allende, in the Colonial Highlands. But Mexico City plays a role too; award-winning Handshake Speakeasy, located in the central, cosmopolitan capital, has a hand in the drinks at the luxe Casa di Sierra Nevada resort. And winding farther south, mezcal, the agave spirit that’s one of Oaxaca’s most beloved exports, forms the core of this cocktail, accented with fresh mint and habanero—tied together with an unexpected splash of herbaceous absinthe.

If possible, opt for an espadin mezcal, from the most commonly found varietal of agave used to make the spirit. We like Del Maguey Vida, Dona Vega Espadin and Montelobos Espadin Joven for mixing.

Made in Oaxaca, a Cocktail

Courtesy Eleazar Barbosa, lead mixologist, Casa di Sierra Nevada, a Belmond Hotel, San Miguel de Allende, Mexico

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