Ultra Refreshing Jalapeno Grapefruit Mezcalita
This revitalizing mezcalita blends smoky mezcal with tangy grapefruit and jalapeno – our new go-to house cocktail!
or read on for common questions and answers
Understanding Mezcal
What is mezcal and what does it taste like?
Mezcal is a Mexican distilled spirit made from the agave plant. Unlike tequila, which is exclusively made from blue agave, mezcal can be made from a variety of agave plants.
It's known for its distinctive smoky flavor that comes from the traditional method of pit roasting the agave hearts underground. This process not only imparts a unique smokiness but also caramelizes and concentrates the sugars, aiding in fermentation.
The taste of mezcal can vary widely, ranging from very smoky and earthy to more fruity, floral, and herbal, depending on the type of agave and the production methods used.
Its smoky characteristics pair exceptionally well with citrusy and spicy ingredients, like those we'll be using in our mezcalita cocktail.
Mezcalita vs. Margarita
Both of these cocktails are citrus-based, but the main difference is in the type of alcohol used.
Margaritas typically include tequila, an orange-flavored liqueur (like Triple Sec or Cointreau), lime juice, and simple syrup.
Mezcalitas, on the other hand, are made with mezcal and usually include fruit juice such as orange, grapefruit, or pineapple, along with lime juice and simple syrup or agave nectar.
This gives mezcalitas a smoky twist and a slightly different flavor profile compared to margaritas.
Special Equipment and Ingredients
What is Tajin and do I need it?
Tajin is a popular Mexican seasoning made from a blend of dried chilies, salt, and citric acid. It's labeled as "salsa en polvo" which translates to salsa powder - this perfectly describes its ability to add a tangy, slightly spicy kick to anything you sprinkle it on.
Common uses of Tajín:
Fresh fruits and vegetables - sprinkle on mango, watermelon, jicama, or cucumber.
Snacks - add to chips, popcorn, and Mexican street corn (elotes).
Cocktails - rim glasses for cocktails like micheladas, margaritas, or palomas.
Do You Need It? Tajín isn't essential for this recipe, but it can be handy if you enjoy these cocktails and snacks regularly.
You can make a simple rimmer at home by combining chili powder and salt. However, Tajín also includes citric acid which gives it that addictively tangy flavor. Add an acidic spice like sumac, tamarind powder, or hibiscus powder to your chili powder and salt mix to recreate this at home.
If you decide to buy Tajín, look for it in the Latin or Mexican foods aisle of your grocery store.
What’s the best mezcal for cocktails?
Well, it depends on your flavor preferences. Here’s a quick rundown of different types:
Espadín mezcal is versatile with smoky, fruity, and earthy notes, great for all kinds of cocktails.
Joven mezcal is young and vibrant, perfect for when you want pure mezcal flavor.
Wild agave types like Tobalá offer complex herbal, floral, or fruity tastes, though they can be pricier.
Blended mezcal mixes different agaves for unique flavors, ideal for creative cocktails.
For our cocktail, we tried two types of mezcal:
Ojo de Tigre - a joven (young) mezcal blending Espadín and Tobalá agave with smoky and earthy notes.
Creyente Cristalino Reposado - a reposado (aged) mezcal that’s charcoal-filtered for clarity with a cleaner, fruity, and less smoky taste.
Both mezcals brought their own unique qualities. Creyente is smooth - great for sipping and cocktails, while Ojo de Tigre's bold smoky taste stood out more in the cocktail and packs a punch when sipped.
When choosing mezcal, we usually look for sales and read reviews because the selection here can be overwhelming.
We found these great mezcals on sale at Soriana, a great tip if you’re traveling in Mexico and looking for local deals - they often have a buy one, get one 50% off offer on most of their liquors.
What’s a molinillo?
A molinillo is an ancient Mesoamerican tool resembling a wooden whisk, traditionally used for frothing hot chocolate. It’s often hand-carved with rings or spirals that create a frothy texture when quickly rubbed between your palms.
Beyond chocolate, it’s handy for muddling fruits or herbs in cocktails. We stumbled upon one in the drawer of our Mexican Airbnb in Morelia - a lucky find!
Of course, I had to find a way to use it. It was perfect for juicing the grapefruit, although any citrus juicer would work just as well for this recipe.
You’ll see it in the photo below, adding a touch of tradition to our experience.
Can I make this drink without a cocktail shaker?
Yes, here’s what you need to know.
Using a cocktail shaker can be very helpful, although, it’s not strictly necessary. It helps to thoroughly mix the ingredients, chill the cocktail quickly, and provide slight dilution to balance the flavors.
Alternatives to a cocktail shaker include stirring the cocktail in a glass or pitcher or shaking it in a mason jar or similar container with a lid. These alternatives will have a similar effect to a proper cocktail shaker.
For example, we used a cheap plastic wide-mouth refillable water bottle to shake cocktails in our next accommodation which was not equipped with a cocktail shaker. So use whatever you have handy and let’s get into making these cocktails!
What you’ll need
Ingredients
4 ounces mezcal
½ pink grapefruit, juiced (about 3 - 4 ounces)
2 ounces lime juice
1 ounce agave nectar (or honey, maple, or simple syrup)
2 slices jalapeno
Tajin for rimming (or mix chili powder with salt and optionally an acidic spice like sumac)
ice
Equipment
Cocktail shaker - alternatively stirring glass, pitcher, mason jar, or container with a lid
For juicing - citrus juicer, molinillo, or juice by hand
To measure - jigger or shot glass (I used a 3-ounce small glass)
Makes: 2 cocktails Prep: 10 min
How to make it
Step 1
Juice citrus.
Juice the limes and grapefruit, setting aside one of the used limes to rim the glasses.
Step 2
Rim the glasses.
Rub a spent lime around the rims of the glasses, then roll them in Tajin or a homemade chili salt mix.
Step 3
Measure ingredients and shake or stir.
Measure and add the mezcal, agave nectar, lime juice, grapefruit juice, and jalapeno slices into a cocktail shaker or container. Add a couple handfuls of ice and shake vigorously for 15 seconds.
Alternatively, stir quickly for 30 seconds.
Step 4
Serve.
Pour the cocktail, including the ice, into the prepared glasses.
I like to do a "dirty pour" as it includes the pulp, jalapeno pieces, and seeds in the drink.
Alternatively, you can strain and top it with fresh ice if you prefer.
My tips
Pair it with food:
Try with fajitas, tacos, or other Mexican-inspired dishes.
Pair with snacks like guacamole, pinto bean dip, or pico de gallo salsa and tortilla chips.
Serve with seafood like a shrimp cocktail, ceviche, or grilled fish.
How to balance the flavor
This recipe was developed to be medium spicy, less sweet, and more citrus-forward. Experiment with ratios to customize the cocktail to your liking.
Here are some tips:
Adjust sweetness - add more or less agave syrup, or incorporate sweet juices like pineapple for a different flavor profile.
Spice level - control the heat by varying the amount of jalapeno slices or experiment with other chili peppers such as serrano, bird’s eye, or finger chili for unique flavors and heat levels.
Citrus balance - adjust the amount of lime juice or swap grapefruit for orange for a sweeter twist.
Smokiness - choose a mezcal that matches your preferred smokiness level or blend it with tequila to reduce the smoky notes.
Variations
Pitcher - for larger groups or parties scale up the ingredients and pre-mix them in a pitcher. Add ice and stir right before serving to avoid too much dilution.
Make it herbaceous - infuse the cocktail with fresh herbs like cilantro, basil, or mint. Muddle the herbs to release their aromatics before shaking or stirring.
Get creative with refreshing ingredients - experiment with adding cucumber, watermelon, mango, berries, hibiscus, coconut water, or ginger to customize your mezcalita with unique and refreshing flavors.
Our Go-To Cocktail
Our time in Mexico has been incredible. We’ve enjoyed everything from tasting delicious, traditional dishes for the first time, meeting awesome locals & practicing our (not so great) Spanish, to sipping mezcal and creating this cocktail - even getting the opportunity to use a traditional molinillo to juice the grapefruit!
It’s been a lot of fun, and this refreshing treat has become a regular in our home - essentially our house cocktail in Mexico. It’s something we’ll definitely keep making wherever we end up.
Bring a taste of Mexico into your home and give this cocktail a try! Have you ever tried mezcal or making a mezcalita? Let me know in the comments.
Salud!
