If you're looking to elevate your low-ABV cocktail repertoire with something both sophisticated and approachable, the 50/50 Margarita is the perfect libation. This delightful cocktail balances the smoky depth of mezcal with the dry complexity of Manzanilla sherry, creating a drink that's as intriguing as it is refreshing.
The 50/50 Margarita is the brainchild of New York City bartender Natasha Bermudez, head bartender at Llama San in New York City, USA. In 2020, a time when low-ABV cocktails are gaining popularity, Bermudez crafted this masterpiece to offer a refined drinking experience without the high alcohol content of a typical Margarita.
By combining equal parts mezcal and Manzanilla sherry, the 50/50 Margarita showcases how two distinct spirits can come together to create something extraordinary. The smoky notes of mezcal perfectly complement the crisp, saline qualities of the sherry.
Quick facts about the When The Smoke Cleared cocktail
- Method: shaken
- Flavor profile: tangy, smoky, spicy, salty
- How to serve it: In a rocks glass, over fresh ice. Garnished with chili salt rim
- Glassware: Rocks glass
- Alcohol content: ~ 17.4% ABV, 18.1 grams of alcohol per serving
Ingredients
- 1 oz Mezcal (preferably Mezcal Verde Amarás Espadín): A distilled spirit made from agave plants, mezcal is renowned for its smoky and earthy flavors. The smokiness comes from roasting the agave hearts in underground pits.
- 1 oz Manzanilla Sherry: This dry sherry hails from Sanlúcar de Barrameda in Spain. Manzanilla sherry is known for its light body and subtle saline notes, adding depth and a unique complexity to the cocktail.
- 3/4 oz Fresh Lime Juice: Freshly squeezed lime juice introduces bright acidity and freshness, balancing the sweetness.
- 1/2 oz Cointreau: A premium orange liqueur, Cointreau contributes sweet, citrusy notes.
- 1/4 oz Light Agave Syrup: Derived from the same plant as tequila and mezcal, light agave syrup offers a mild sweetness that integrates smoothly agave-based spirits.
- Smoked Chili Salt Rim (equal parts Tajín, paprika, and salt)
Crafting the Smoked Chili Salt Rim
To make the smoked chili salt rim:
- Combine equal parts:
- Tajín seasoning
- Paprika powder
- Fine sea salt
- Mix thoroughly and store in an airtight container.
Required Bartending Tools
- Cocktail Shaker: Used for mixing and chilling the ingredients thoroughly. Shaking with ice helps to dilute the cocktail slightly and blend the flavors seamlessly.
- Jigger: A measuring tool that ensures precise quantities of each ingredient.
- Hawthorne Strainer: Placed over the shaker to strain out ice and other solids when pouring the cocktail into the glass.
- Fine Mesh Strainer: Used in combination with the Hawthorne strainer for double straining, which removes smaller ice shards and pulp for an even smoother drink.
- Citrus Juicer: Helps extract fresh lime juice efficiently, ensuring you get the maximum amount of juice with minimal effort.
Step-by-Step Guide to Make this Cocktail
- Chill a rocks glass by placing it in the freezer for a few minutes.
- Rub a lime wedge around the outer rim of the glass.
- Dip the rim into the smoked chili salt mixture to evenly coat.
- Measure and pour the ingredients into your cocktail shaker using a jigger.
- Add ice to the shaker until it's about two-thirds full.
- Seal the shaker and shake vigorously for 10-12 seconds to chill and dilute the cocktail.
- Double strain the mixture into your prepared rocks glass filled with fresh ice, using both the Hawthorne strainer and fine mesh strainer.
Equipment
- 1 Cocktail Shaker
- 1 Jigger
- 1 Hawthorne Strainer
- 1 Fine-mesh strainer
- 1 Citrus Juicer
Ingredients
- 1 oz Mezcal - preferably Mezcal Verde Amarás Espadín
- 1 oz Manzanilla Sherry
- 0.75 oz Lime Juice
- 0.5 oz Cointreau
- 0.25 oz Light Agave Syrup
- Smoked Chile Salt equal parts Tajín, Paprika and Salt
Instructions
- Chill a rocks glass in the freezer for a few minutes.
- Wipe a coin of lime on the side of a chilled glass and rim the glass with the smoked chile salt.
- Add all ingredients into a cocktail shaker filled with ice (about 2/3)
- Shake for 10 to 12 seconds or until the shaker gets frosty on the outside.
- Double-strain over ice into the prepared rocks glass.
FAQs
Because it uses equal parts (50/50) of mezcal and Manzanilla sherry, creating a balanced and harmonious flavor profile.
Yes, it's lower in alcohol (around 17% ABV) compared to traditional margaritas (around 22% ABV) due to the inclusion of sherry, which has a lower ABV than spirits like tequila or mezcal.
Absolutely, you can experiment with other dry sherries like Fino, but Manzanilla is preferred for its light, saline qualities.