Forget tequila in your margarita, give mezcal a shot
Tequila and mezcal are both traditional Mexican spirits made from the agave plant's fruit. However, tequila is exclusively crafted from blue Weber agave and is produced in specific regions of Mexico, while mezcal can be derived from any of the 40 different agave varieties found throughout the country. This versatility gives mezcal a complex flavor profile that varies significantly between brands, depending on their unique recipes. This makes it an excellent choice if you're looking to add some variety to your margarita experience and enjoy a different taste.
The standout feature of mezcal is its distinctive smoky flavor, which tequila typically lacks due to the agave being roasted in underground ovens prior to distillation. This unique characteristic has attracted the attention of renowned chefs like Gordon Ramsay, who has incorporated it into his own margarita recipe. When mezcal is mixed into a drink, its smoky essence adds a charred flavor that complements the tangy sweetness of pineapple—imagine a cocktail reminiscent of boozy, grilled pineapple.
For this recipe, it's advisable to choose a mezcal that isn't overly smoky to avoid overpowering the pineapple. If you find your mezcal too intense, you can balance it by blending it with an equal amount of tequila. The smoother flavor of tequila will help mellow the mezcal, allowing the fruity notes of your drink to shine through. After all, it's called a pineapple margarita, not a wood-smoke margarita.
Rim the glass with smoky sea salt
Margaritas are typically served with a salted rim. They’re incredibly simple to prepare: just moisten the rim by rubbing it with the juicy part of half or a quarter of a lime, then invert the glass and dip it into a bowl of salt. The salt will adhere to the rim, enhancing each tangy (and now extra-smoky, thanks to the mezcal) sip with a savory kick. While regular Kosher salt is commonly used, for today’s smoky pineapple margarita, you’ll want to opt for smoked sea salt instead.
Regular Kosher salt is essentially pure salt extracted from underground deposits without any additives. Sea salt, as the name implies, is produced by evaporating seawater, and its texture and flavor can vary based on the type you choose. However, the specific variety of sea salt to focus on is smoked salt. After harvesting, this salt is carefully smoked over a wood fire, imparting a deep, smoky aroma and flavor that will infuse your pineapple margarita as you sip it through the salted rim.
You can also add a twist to this recipe by incorporating a hint of smoked paprika for an extra kick. But for your first smoky pineapple margarita, this will be just perfect. So sit back, relax, and savor the delicious results of your efforts — you’ve earned it!
Recommended
The Simple Trick To Amplify The Flavors Of Your Spicy Rosé
Why People Once Tested Liquor With Gunpowder
Most Vodka Isn't Actually Made From Potatoes
Nutcracker: The Banned NYC Cocktail You Can Find On Every Beach
Next up