Smoky Margarita
A balanced fall margarita made with mezcal, tequila, lime, and maple, served with a smoked salt rim.
Because every drink deserves a beautiful moment.
Ingredients
1 ½ oz mezcal
1 ½ oz reposado tequila
1 ½ oz fresh lime juice
1 oz maple syrup
2–3 dashes Angostura bitters
Smoked salt, for rim
Lime wheel, for garnish
Instructions
Rim a rocks glass with smoked salt and set aside.
In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, add mezcal, reposado tequila, lime juice, maple syrup, and bitters.
Shake vigorously until well chilled.
Strain into the prepared glass over fresh ice.
Garnish with a lime wheel.
Notes from the Bar
Balancing Spirits
This recipe uses equal parts mezcal and reposado tequila. For more smoke, increase the mezcal slightly; for a smoother sip, lean heavier on the reposado.
Maple Syrup Swap
Maple syrup brings warmth and body. Agave nectar can be used as a lighter, more traditional alternative.
Bitters Boost
Angostura bitters add depth and complexity. Don’t skip them. They round out the cocktail beautifully.
Cocktail Glue
For a perfect salt or sugar rim, try making a small batch of “flavored cocktail glue.” Mix ¾ oz Cointreau, 15 g (about 1 tsp) agave or honey, and 0.5 g citric acid (a small pinch) in a small jar. Brush onto the glass with a designated kitchen brush (a flat paintbrush or pastry brush works well), then apply your salt or sugar. This mixture is helf stable and can be stored in your pantry or bar cabinet for future use.
Salt Rim Options
Smoked salt enhances the mezcal’s earthiness. If you can’t find it, use sea salt mixed with a pinch of smoked paprika or you can order it online ⟶ Moldon Smoked Sea Salt
Glassware
We like this one in a double old fashioned glass with a big ice cube, but any sturdy rocks glass will work.
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Make It a Date Nite
This cocktail is part of something bigger for us. It's a ritual we return to week after week.
Each week, we create a Date Nite designed around one drink, one thoughtful menu, and the feeling of slowing down together. The kind of night where the table is set with intention, the music hums softly in the background, and the evening unfolds without rushing.
For this Date Nite, we’ve paired a cocktail with a cozy, make-ahead-friendly menu, so you can enjoy the process without spending the whole night in the kitchen. We also include little touches we love like timing notes, a head start option, and a playlist to set the mood. Feel to pair the meal with any of our cocktails.
It’s not about perfection. It’s about presence. And turning an ordinary night at home into something that feels quietly special.
Each Date Nite includes a curated menu, cocktail pairing and a playlist, as well as another thoughtful extras like make-ahead tips, leftover ideas or table talk prompts to carry the night.
Kevin & Kate
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