Tommy's Mezcal Margarita Cocktail Recipe

The original Tommy's Margarita is a twist on the classic Margarita cocktail that comes without triple sec and without a salt rim. So, our Tommy's Mezcal Margarita is in fact a twist on a twist replacing the tequila base with mezcal.

This shaken mezcal cocktail is typically served in a rocks glass, garnished with a lime wedge. In rare cases, you may see a salt rim but as Tommy's Margarita comes without it, we also leave the salt out of the recipe. 

Tommy's Margarita originated in the 1980s at Tommy's Mexican Restaurant in San Francisco, crafted by Julio Bermejo. He revamped the traditional Margarita by replacing triple sec with agave nectar, highlighting the natural sweetness of the agave plant. Swapping tequila for mezcal adds a smoky depth, creating a cocktail that's both modern and authentically Mexican. The result is a drink with delicate smoky and earthy notes.

Quick facts about Tommy's Mezcal Margarita cocktail

• Method: shaken 
• Flavor profile: dry, sour, earthy, smoky, fresh
• How to serve it: In a rocks glass over ice
• Glassware: rocks glass
• Alcohol content: ~ 18% ABV, 18.8 grams of alcohol per serving

Ingredients You'll Need

To craft this smoky masterpiece, you'll need:

• 2 oz Mezcal: Choose a high-quality joven (young) mezcal for a balanced flavor. Our common recommendations both work here, Del Maguey Vida & Montelobos Espadin Joven.
• 1 oz Fresh Lime Juice: Freshly squeezed for optimal taste.
• 0.5 oz Agave Syrup: Adds natural sweetness and just a hint of agave that complements the mezcal.

Equipment Required

• Cocktail Shaker
• Jigger or Measuring Tool
• Rocks Glass
• Ice
• Hawthorne Strainer
• Lime Wedge for Garnish

Step-by-Step Recipe Instructions to make the cocktail

1. Chill your glassware: Put your rocks glass in the freezer for 10 to 15 minutes before you start making the drink.
2. Prepare Your Shaker: Fill the cocktail shaker halfway with ice.
3. Measure and Add Ingredients: Pour 2 oz mezcal, 1 oz fresh lime juice, and 0.5 oz agave syrup into the shaker.
4. Shake It Up: Close the shaker and shake vigorously for about 15 to 20 seconds until the shaker is cold to the touch.
5. Strain and Pour: Use your Hawthorne strainer to pour the cocktail into your prepared glass.
6. Garnish: Add a lime wedge or wheel to the rim of the glass as a garnish.

More shaken Mezcal cocktails

• Mezcal Margarita: A smoky variation of the classic margarita that replaces tequila with mezcal, combined with lime juice and agave nectar.
• Naked & Famous cocktail: An equal-parts cocktail made with mezcal, Aperol, yellow Chartreuse, and lime juice, offering a balanced blend of smoky, bitter, and herbal flavors.
• Velasco and Sand cocktail: A tasty twist on the Blood & Sand cocktail based on mezcal.
• Oye Mi Canto cocktail: A cocktail based on tequila & mezcal, balanced by rosé vermouth and bitters.
• Mezcal Dante cocktail: A mezcal-based riff on the classic Dante cocktail.
• Port of Spain cocktail: A herbal, spicy, and smoky cocktail based on mezcal and made with half an ounce of Angostura bitters.

Tommy's Mezcal Margarita

A smoky twist on the classic Tommy's Margarita recipe

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Prep Time: 2 minutes minutes

Total Time: 2 minutes minutes

Course: Drinks

Cuisine: Mexican

Keyword: agave syrup, lime juice, mezcal

Servings: 1

Cost: 2

Equipment

• 1 Cocktail Shaker
• 1 Jigger
• 1 Hawthorne Strainer

Ingredients

• 2 oz Mezcal - Del Maguey vida or Montelobos Espadin Joven
• 1 oz Lime juice
• 0.5 oz Agave syrup

Instructions

• Chill your rocks glass in the freezer for 10 to 15 minutes before making the drink.
• Add all ingredients into a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
• Shake for 15 to 20 seconds until the drink is well-chilled and the shaker frosty on the outside.
• Strain into your rocks glass over ice and garnish with lime wheel or wedge.

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