Smoked Mezcal Margarita

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Nothing sends your basic cocktail recipes for a spin quite like a Smoked Mezcal Margarita. The refreshing mezcal and triple sec combined with the smoky notes from the grilled pineapple is a fun twist on the traditional margarita that you won’t be able to get enough of.

If you couldn’t tell, we’re obsessed with a good margarita! Whether we’re feeling fruity and craving a blueberry margarita or getting in a cozy mood and whipping up an apple cider margarita, we know how to make a cocktail that will leave you speechless. For this Smoked Mezcal Margarita, we’re switching things up a bit. Not only are we making yet another margarita, we’re adding a hint of smoke, similar to our other smoked cocktails but without the wood chips. Trust us, adding a smoky spin to this delicious drink is just what you need to unwind after a long day.

Close up of the fresh garnish atop a salted rim.

What Is a Smoked Mezcal Margarita?

Making a Smoked Mezcal Margarita consists of grilling an entire pineapple, giving you a smooth, smoky flavor in each sip. Sounds divine, right? We love adding smoke to our cocktails because it jazzes up any drink. With the touch of sweetness from the orange liqueur combined with the smoke-infused pineapple simple syrup, this drink produces the perfect balance of flavors even the snobbiest of cocktail connoisseurs will appreciate. Let’s get to crafting our cocktails, shall we?

What You Need to Make a Smoked Mezcal Margarita

For the smoked pineapple simple syrup

Pineapple
Sugar
Water
Szechuan Peppercorns
Serrano Pepper

For the margarita

Mezcal – Tequila’s smokier cousin. Use your favorite brand.
Triple Sec
Limeade – For a tangy twist.
Smoked Pineapple Simple Syrup

For Garnish

Sea Salt – For rimming the edge of the glass.
Sliced Smoked Pineapple
Lime Peel Twist
Ice

How to Make a Smoked Mezcal Margarita

Smoke the Pineapple

To prepare the grill for smoking, set the temperature to a gentle 250 degrees Fahrenheit, creating the perfect environment for infusing smoky goodness.

With the grill prepped and ready, place the whole pineapple onto the grates. Close the lid, and let the magic happen as the pineapple immerses itself in the aromatic haze.

Allow the fruit to smoke for 2 hours, ensuring even exposure to the smoke by gently rotating it every 30 minutes.

Slice Pineapple into Wedges

Once the smoking process is complete, carefully remove the pineapple from the grill and allow it to cool for approximately 15 minutes, ensuring it is safe to handle. As the fruit reaches a comfortable temperature, grab your knife and slice the pineapple into delectable wedges.

Make the Simple Syrup

In a heatproof pot, combine the sugar and water, forming the foundation for a sweet concoction. Set the heat to low and allow the mixture to simmer gently, patiently stirring until the sugar dissolves completely.

Combine the Pineapple, Peppercorns, and Pepper

Add pineapple slices, Szechuan peppercorns, and sliced serrano to the syrup. Stir the ingredients together, ensuring they are well combined.

Afterward, allow the mixture to sit undisturbed for 30 to 40 minutes. This resting period will enable the flavors to meld together, resulting in a delightful combination of sweetness and spiciness.

Strain

Once the mixture is ready, strain it into a jar, removing any solids or impurities. Keep the pineapple and pepper slices for garnishing, but throw the peppercorns away.

Craft the Cocktail

Start by grabbing a pitcher and filling it up with ice. Now, we craft our cocktails.

Add 1 cup of mezcal, ½ cup of triple sec, ½ cup of limeade, and ¼ cup of smoked pineapple simple syrup into the pitcher.

Give it a good stir so that all the flavors mingle together beautifully. Don’t forget to garnish it with some pineapple wedges and sliced serrano for that extra zing.

Now, grab your favorite salt-rimmed glasses and pour this delightful concoction in. And to make it look even more fancy, add a slice of pineapple and a lime twist on the rim of your glass or use a toothpick.

Watch: How to make this Mezcal Margarita

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Expert Tips

Add a splash of grapefruit juice, orange juice, or any other fresh citrus juice for a bright, tangy twist!
Need a pop of sweetness? Add some agave syrup.
Swap Grand Marnier for triple sec for a deeper flavor!
Pour a splash of club soda on top for extra fizz!
Make a spicy salt rim by adding some chili powder to your salt.

What to Serve With a Smoked Margarita

The spiciness from the serrano peppers and Szechuan peppercorns pair perfectly with this enchilada pasta skillet or these barbecue chicken taquitos. On the other hand, the sweetness of the pineapple simple syrup would compliment dishes like this chipotle apple chili with honey cornbread or these pineapple beef kabobs.

Recipe FAQs

Can I make a frozen margarita with this recipe?

Absolutely! To make a frozen margarita, throw your ingredients into a blender with some ice! Garnish with grilled pineapple wedges and Serrano peppers for the ultimate smoky flavor.

Can I use regular peppercorns instead of Szechuan peppercorns?

Of course! There isn’t a major difference between Szechuan peppercorns and black peppercorns except for the tingling sensation that Szechuan peppercorns produce when consumed. As a result, their flavor profile is enhanced slightly. However, black peppercorns work just as well and produce a similar flavor profile!

Can I adjust the sweetness in this mezcal margarita recipe?

Yes! You can always add a splash of maple syrup or agave nectar to sweeten things up!

How is mezcal different from tequila? Can I swap the mezcal for tequila?

Mezcal is like tequila’s more mysterious, smoky cousin, even though they’re both distilled from agave. Mezcal is a great option for this recipe because the grilled pineapple blends perfectly with the smokiness from the alcohol. However, if you can’t find mezcal or prefer the taste of tequila, feel free to use it instead!

More Margarita Recipes to Try

This smoked mezcal margarita is a captivating and delicious cocktail that takes the classic margarita to the next level with its complex flavors and smoky allure. Whether enjoyed on a hot summer day or during a fun-filled happy hour, the smoked mezcal margarita is sure to become your new favorite cocktail. Also, please rate the recipe card and leave a comment below to help out the next reader!