With the warmer months upon us, we have got the perfect summer cocktail for you! Mix up this exceptionally delicious and fruity margarita with a hint of smokiness!
The technique of rinsing the glass with Mezcal instead of adding the Mezcal directly to the cocktail adds a light, not overpowering, smoke to the cocktail.
We muddled the blackberries to give this cocktail body while the lime and blood orange juices add bright acidity and complement the flavors of the blackberries. Finally, a splash of Grand Marnier dials up those natural orange flavors while a hint of agave syrup creates the perfect amount of sweetness.
This drink is perfect for a boozy brunch and pairs wonderfully with our Birria Tacos or any other spicy and smoky dish you desire!
Need-to-Know
What is Mezcal?
Born in Oaxaca, Mexico, Mezcal is a distilled alcoholic beverage derived from agave plants, and more specifically, the heart of the agave plant known as the “piña.” It has a robustly smoky flavor. Although it may be consumed neat, it is usually balanced with other spirits as well as fruit purees.
We recommend using El Silencio Mezcal, which is created using traditional processes, in which agave plants are roasted, crushed, and double-distilled. This process results in a full-bodied flavor. However, other brands of Mezcal will work just fine for this cocktail too.
What is Grand Marnier?
Grand Marnier is a French orange-flavored liqueur created in 1880 by Alexandre Marnier-Lapostolle, a blend of Cognac brandy, distilled bitter orange, and sugar.
The use of Grand Marnier amplifies the natural orange flavors of the blood orange juice. It also adds a subtle sweetness as well as toast and caramel notes characteristic to brandy.
Suggested Food Pairing
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1/2 oz. El Silencio (or similar brand) Mezcal
- 2 oz. Don Julio Blanco Tequila
- 1/2 cup blackberries muddled
- 1/2 oz. blood orange juice freshly squeezed
- 1/2 oz. lime juice freshly squeezed
- 1/2 oz. Grand Marnier
- 1/8 oz. agave syrup
- 1/4 cup ice
Instructions
1. Rinse the Glasses with Mezcal
- Rinse the glasses with Mezcal by pouring equal amounts in glasses and turning each glass on its side to allow the liquid to coat all parts of each glass.
2. Juice the Fruit
- Juice blood oranges and limes. Set aside.
- Muddle blackberries into a liquid using a mortar and pestle. Set aside.
3. Mix the Cocktail
- Add muddled blackberries into a cocktail shaker.
- Add Tequila, blood orange juice, lime juice, Grand Marnier, and agave syrup.
- Add ice and shake well.
4. Serve the Cocktail
- Pour liquid into cocktail glasses. You can strain the liquid through a strainer if you prefer.
- Garnish each glass with a slice of blood orange.
- Serve and enjoy.
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