I find that mezcal margaritas are as beautifully balanced as tequila margaritas but more complex and intense, made from tequila’s artisanal, terroir-forward parent spirit.
Unlike tequila, the best mezcals for margaritas can be made with many agave species (rather than just blue agave), adding distinct levels of depth depending on the agave species used.
Best Mezcals For Margaritas
I’ve selected 6 of the best mezcals for margaritas to ensure when you make a margarita, it’s incredible.
1. El Padrino Joven Mezcal
Overview
- Distiller: Casa Maestri
- ABV: 45% (90 Proof)
- Country: Mexico
- Colour: Clear
Review
El Padrino is a line of well-regarded tequilas from multiple award-winning distilleries, Casa Maestri, founded in 2008.
The name El Padrino (godfather) honours Celia Maestri’s grandfather, who frequently donated flour, rice, and beans to low-income families in his hometown.
Also Read: 10 Best Mezcal Brands For Sipping
On The Nose
Subtle pine resin, gentle smokiness, and sweetly vegetal agave notes.
On The Palate
Smoky pine resin meets complex, oak-caramel sweetness while being incredibly smooth. The finish is long, showing sweet vanilla notes and a peppery finish.
Why It’s Perfect For A Margarita
I find its balance of sweetness and smokiness won’t overpower the drink, and the woody caramel smoothness blends into a margarita with ease.
Pricing & Info
You can check the latest pricing, product information, and order online.
2. Madre Mezcal Espadin
Overview
- Distiller: Madre Mezcal
- ABV: 40% (80 Proof)
- Country: Mexico
- Colour: Clear
Review
The Blas family in Matatlan, the Vasquez family in Miahuatlan, and the Morales family in San Dionisio all produce small batches of espadin mezcal.
This mezcal is blended in a standard ratio with slight tweaks to ensure uniform quality and flavour.
Also Read: 9 Best Mexican Beers For Summer
On The Nose
Smooth and pleasantly smoky vanilla earthiness.
On The Palate
Bright ginger and pine lead to a light, sweet mesquite and vanilla heart perfectly balanced by the smooth smokiness and a full mouthfeel. I love the finish as it is sweet, complex, and long.
Why It’s Perfect For A Margarita
Although a 40% ABV mezcal should be too light for a mezcal margarita, this espadin punches above its weight.
The fantastic smoothness, balance, and subtle smoke notes make it an ideal starting point for those new to mezcal and produce a delicately nuanced cocktail.
Pricing & Info
You can check the latest pricing, product information, and order online.
3. Agave De Cortes Reposado Mezcal
Overview
- Distiller: Casa Cortes
- ABV: 43% (86 Proof)
- Country: Mexico
- Colour: Pale Gold
Review
The proudly Zapotec Cortes family has been making mezcal since 1840 and is now in the fifth generation of mezcaleros.
They produce artisanal mezcal in Matatlan using traditional methods; unlike most mezcaleros, they have aged their spirit for generations.
What I like about this 100% espadin reposado is that it spends anything from two to six months in ex-bourbon American oak barrels.
Also Read: 7 Sotol Brands That Kick Like a Mule
On The Nose
Cinnamon, mocha, and butterscotch notes with hints of oak and agave.
On The Palate
Caramel and chocolate mingle with luscious agave, mango, and tart apple, wrapped in soft oak and subtle smoke. The long, dry finish shows lingering baking spice and white pepper.
Why It’s Perfect For A Margarita
Whether you are making a traditional margarita (with Cointreau orange liqueur) or an agave-focused Tommy’s, the rich dessert flavours and warm oak influence create an expressive cocktail that demands to be nursed.
Pricing & Info
You can check the latest pricing, product information, and order online.
4. Montelobos Espadin Joven Mezcal
Overview
- Distiller: Casa Montelobos
- ABV: 43.2% (86.4 Proof)
- Country: Mexico
- Colour: Clear
Review
Montelobos is an organic mezcal developed by esteemed agave academic Dr. Ivan Saldaña and launched in 2012.
The Lopez family harvests sustainably cultivated espadin agave below the Mountain of Wolves (Montelobos) in Matatlan, Oaxaca, and turns it into mezcal using artisanal methods.
Montelobos partners with the Wolf Conservation Center to conserve wild wolves.
Also Read: 10 Best Tequila Brands For Sipping
On The Nose
Medicinal menthol and iodine combine with smoky bacon, cut grass, and floral honey.
On The Palate
Agave, honey, and zesty citrus complement char-grilled pepper, bacon, and subtle ashy notes. The finish shows lingering smoke, mango, and black pepper.
Why It’s Perfect For A Margarita
I found this to be an enjoyable and easy-drinking mezcal that brings an unusual complexity to any cocktail. Its distinctive honey and medicinal qualities especially benefit a margarita. The price point doesn’t hurt, either.
Pricing & Info
You can check the latest pricing, product information, and order online.
5. Banhez Ensamble Mezcal
Overview
- Distiller: Banhez
- ABV: 42% (84 Proof)
- Country: Mexico
- Colour: Clear
Review
Over 36 families constitute the UPADEC Cooperative, producing sustainable, fair trade, and iconoclastic mezcal in the small Oaxacan village of Ejutla.
Interestingly, the 10% barril agave (Agave karwinskii var. harrisoniana) adds green herbal notes to the espadin.
Banhez’s use of refrescador distillation creates a bright, joven mezcal with far less smokiness than most Oaxacan mezcals.
Also Read: 6 Myths Of Tequila & The Worm
On The Nose
Banhez Ensamble shows the minty herbal scents characteristic of barril, delicate smoke, and seductive jasmine and lemon blossom.
On The Palate
A pineapple and banana cream foundation enlivened by lemon zest, agave, and a moderately oily mouthfeel. The finish is lightly smoky.
Why It’s Perfect For A Margarita
This mezcal has a subtle, expressive character that makes for a beautiful Tommy’s margarita: focus on the agave with this one, and you won’t be disappointed. And you get the satisfaction of knowing your money supports a socially and environmentally sustainable operation.
Pricing & Info
You can check the latest pricing, product information, and order online.
6. Mezcal Union Uno
Overview
- Distiller: Mezcal Unión
- ABV: 40% (80 Proof)
- Country: Mexico
- Colour: Clear
Review
Mezcal Union invests in a network of local mezcaleros, providing over a hundred Oaxacans with sustainable livelihoods and producing eco-friendly, artisanal mezcals.
Uno is another joven ensemble with 10% Agave karwinskii added to espadin, but instead of barril, it uses the rarer cirial.
Also Read: 10 Feiry Cachaca’s To Try
On The Nose
Smoky oak and earthy salted caramel mingle with herbal, minty notes typical of cirial.
On The Palate
Peaty smoke envelops sweet, luscious apple and pear, contrasting with intense dried mint and key lime. The medium finish shows delightfully creamy vanilla.
Why It’s Perfect For A Margarita
Uno is outstanding, especially for its price point. Despite a low proof, the balance between smoke, sweet fruit and dessert flavours, and punchy herbal notes stands out in a Tommy’s margarita, especially with a dash of key lime juice.
Pricing & Info
You can check the latest pricing, product information, and order online.
David’s Top Pick
Montelobos Espadin Joven Mezcal
My top pick mezcal for a margarita is Montelobos Espadin Joven Mezcal.
This mezcal has depth and distinctive honey and medicinal qualities that work so well in a margarita.
Mezcal Margarita Recipe
This variant of a Tommy’s margarita lets the agave shine. Add 1/2 ounce Cointreau (not any other orange liqueur) for a classic mezcal margarita.
Ingredients
- 2 ounces mezcal
- 1/2 ounce fresh lime juice
- 1/2 ounce fresh key lime juice
- 1/2 ounce agave nectar
Method
Shake the ingredients (with ice) until chilled, and strain into a rocks glass. If you opt for a salt rim, use restraint. Serve up or on the rocks.
Conclusion
Few classic cocktails have remained as consistently popular as the margarita. As awareness of agave spirits has grown, the margarita has increasingly become a canvas to display their beauty.
Mezcal has greater complexity and expressiveness than tequila, and a mezcal margarita is a revelatory experience. Try one of these fantastic mezcals in your next margarita, and revel in the broader horizons it brings.
Also read: Mezcal Rituals & Ceremonies: The Spirit Of The Gods
Traditionally consumed unaged, mezcals may be aged like tequila nowadays (note that joven mezcal corresponds to blanco tequila).
Mezcal Denomination of Origination restricts production to nine states: around 90% of production is in Oaxaca, using espadin agave (Agave Angustifolia), a close relative of the agave used for tequila. Espadin mezcals are the most affordable, accessible, and consistent.
Also Read: Complete History Of Mezcal
The harvested agave hearts (piñas) undergo slow cooking underground with wood fuel, producing the characteristic smokiness and caramelized sweetness. Fermentation with wild yeasts and rustic distillation adds further complexity.
Further Reading
Below are some additional articles from The Drinks Geek blog. We write articles on several fascinating areas of drinks, including different brands, drink types, cocktail recipes and more.
