Smoky Mezcal Sage Cocktail
This smoky mezcal sage cocktail is like a margarita with attitude. Smoky mezcal, bright citrus, and earthy sage syrup come together for a cocktail that's both refreshing and a little unexpected.
This smoky mezcal sage cocktail is my go-to when I want something with a little more attitude than a classic margarita. It has all the bright, citrusy appeal you'd expect, but the mezcal brings a deep, smoky edge that makes it feel grown-up and interesting. It's the kind of drink I love serving when friends come over, and I want to pour something that gets people talking.
The sage syrup is the secret here. Its earthy, herbal flavor complements the smoky mezcal beautifully, while fresh citrus keeps everything bright and lively. You get smoky and fresh, earthy and tart, all in one glass. I love rimming mine with black lava salt because the deep black color looks gorgeous next to a few purple sage flowers, though regular salt works just fine if that's what you have.
And like any good margarita-style cocktail, it comes together in minutes. A quick shake, a salted rim, and you've got a smoky mezcal sage cocktail that looks as striking as it tastes.
Another sage cocktail you might enjoy is my sage gin sour.
Smoky Mezcal Sage Cocktail
Ingredients
- Black salt + honey for rim
- 1 ½ ounces mezcal
- 1 ounce lime juice
- 1 ounce sage syrup
- Sage leaves or flowers to garnish
Method
- Begin by rimming a rocks glass with black sea salt. Either wet the rim with a cut lime, then dip it into the salt, or brush some honey onto the side of the glass and dip it into the salt.Black salt + honey
- Add a scoop of ice, mezcal, lime juice, and simple syrup to a cocktail shaker, then shake until cold.1 ½ ounces mezcal, 1 ounce lime juice
- Add ice to the rimmed glass and then strain the cocktail into it. Garnish with a sage leaf or flower.Sage leaves or flowers
