This Habanero-Spiked Mezcal Margarita Delivers Quite the Kick

Featuring mezcal, this marg variation is practically a road trip in a glass, paying homage to three key points in Mexico. [...] Read More... The post This Habanero-Spiked Mezcal Margarita Delivers Quite the Kick appeared first on Wine Enthusiast.

Mar 12, 2025 - 22:28
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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

Ingredients

  • 2 slices cucumber
  • 5 mint leaves
  • 1 habanero pepper slice
  • 1/3 ounce simple syrup
  • 2 ounces mezcal
  • 1 bar spoon absinthe
  • Habanero pepper slice, for garnish

How to Make It

Step 1
In a cocktail shaker, muddle cucumber, mint and habanero with simple syrup.
Step 2
Add mezcal, absinthe, and ice.
Step 3
Shake well, and strain into a coupe glass. Garnish with habanero pepper slice.

This article originally appeared in the April 2025 Travel issue of Wine Enthusiast magazine. Click here to subscribe today!


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The post This Habanero-Spiked Mezcal Margarita Delivers Quite the Kick appeared first on Wine Enthusiast.