Meyer Lemon Mezcal Margarita

Mezcal gives this Margarita a smoky flavor, while Makrut lime leaves, ginger, and Meyer lemons add floral, tart notes to each sip.

Ingredients:

Lime Leaf Salt

• 1 Makrut lime leaf

• 2 tablespoons kosher salt

• 1 tablespoons sugar

Margarita

• 1 Meyer lemon wedge

• 2 ounces mezcal

• 2 ounces Meyer lemon juice

• 1 ounce simple syrup

• 1 teaspoon finely grated ginger (from a 1-inch piece of ginger)

• 1 leaf Makrut lime leaf, crushed

• 1 (1-inch) strip lemon zest

Instructions:

Make the Lime Leaf Salt

Heat lime leaf in a 350°F oven for 2 minutes or in a microwave on High for 1 minute, until dried and crumbly. Place toasted lime leaf, salt, and sugar in a spice grinder and grind into a powder. Transfer to a rimmed plate.

Make the Margarita

Moisten rim of a large rocks glass with lemon wedge; dip edge of glass into Lime Leaf Salt. Combine mezcal, lemon juice, simple syrup and ginger in pint glass. Add ice and shake vigorously. Pour Margarita into salt-rimmed glass, garnish with lime leaf and lemon zest and serve.

Attribution:

Recipe: Brooke Williamson

Origin: Food & Wine

Photo: MATT TAYLOR-GROSS