Smoky Chili Margarita

The Smoky Chili Margarita is a robust and dry iteration of the classic, brilliantly layering the crisp notes of blanco tequila with the earthy depth of mezcal. It balances its agave foundation with a fiery kick of chili liqueur, sweet triple sec, and a bracing punch of fresh lime juice, further enhanced by Margarita bitters and a drop of saline. Shaken and served over ice, this complex and spicy sipper is beautifully finished with a smoked salt rim and a fresh lime wedge.

Ingredients:

• 25 ml Patrón Silver blanco tequila

• 20 ml Del Maguey Vida Clásico Mezcal

• 10 ml Triple sec liqueur (40% alc./vol.)

• 7.5 ml Giffard Piment d'Espelette chile liqueur

• 22.5 ml Lime juice (freshly squeezed)

• 4 drops of Difford's Margarita Bitters

• 2 drops of saline solution (20g sea salt to 80g water) or a mere pinch of salt

Instructions:

• Select and pre-chill an old-fashioned glass.

• RIM glass with smoked salt (moisten the outside edge with orange or lime juice and dip into salt).

• Prepare a garnish of a lime wedge.

• Shake all ingredients with ice.

• Strain into an ice-filled glass.

• Garnish with lime wedge.

Attribution:
Recipe: Simon Difford
Photo: Difford’s Guide
Origin: Difford’s Guide