Bright, smoky, and just a little spicy, this Carrot Mezcal Margarita is a stunning twist on the classic!
Made with fresh carrot juice, mezcal, citrus, and a punchy chili-salt rim—it’s earthy, vibrant, and totally unforgettable.
Why You’ll Love This Cocktail
Refreshing with a smoky twist
Naturally sweetened with agave and carrot juice
Gorgeous presentation with chili-salt rim
Perfect for spring, brunches, or happy hour
Easy to shake up in minutes
Ingredient Highlights
For the Cocktail
Carrot juice – Adds earthy sweetness and a beautiful orange hue
Mezcal – Brings a bold, smoky depth that balances the carrot
Orange liqueur – Adds citrusy sweetness and complexity
Fresh lime juice – Brightens everything up
Agave nectar – Lightly sweetens while keeping things natural
Ice – For shaking and serving
For Garnish & Rim
Flaky sea salt + chili powder – Delivers a spicy, savory pop
Lime wedge – For rimming and garnish
Carrot greens or small carrots – Adds visual flair
Pro Tips Before You Start
Use 100% pure carrot juice—store-bought cold-pressed or homemade
Choose a good quality mezcal for smoother flavor
Chill your glass ahead of time for a crisper finish
Adjust chili powder to taste—go mild or hot!
Double the recipe in a shaker if serving more than one
How to Make a Carrot Mezcal Margarita
Step 1: Rim the Glass
Mix flaky sea salt and a few pinches of chili powder on a small plate.
Run a lime wedge around the rim of your serving glass to moisten it, then press the rim gently into the chili-salt mixture.
Add ice to the glass and set aside.
Step 2: Shake the Cocktail
In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, combine carrot juice, mezcal, orange liqueur, fresh lime juice, and agave nectar.
Shake vigorously for 15–20 seconds until well-chilled.
Step 3: Strain and Serve
Strain the cocktail into your prepared glass over ice.
Garnish with a lime wedge, a small carrot, or some carrot greens for an earthy, fresh look.
What to Serve It With
Guacamole and chips
Smoky grilled shrimp or fish tacos
Sweet potato fries with chipotle aioli
Roasted veggie skewers
Spicy hummus and crudité
Variations & Substitutions
Swap mezcal for tequila for a milder version
Use honey or simple syrup instead of agave nectar
Add a splash of ginger juice for extra spice
Try a tajín rim instead of chili-salt for a zesty twist
Make it a mocktail with non-alcoholic mezcal alternatives
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
This cocktail is best served immediately after shaking
You can pre-mix the base (carrot juice, lime, orange liqueur, agave) and keep it in the fridge for up to 24 hours
Rim glasses and prep garnishes ahead for party-style serving
FAQs
What does mezcal taste like compared to tequila?
Mezcal has a much smokier, more robust flavor, while tequila is smoother and cleaner.
Can I use fresh carrot juice from a juicer?
Absolutely! Fresh-pressed carrot juice works beautifully in this drink.
Is it spicy?
Only mildly spicy from the chili-salt rim. You can control the heat by adjusting the chili powder.
Can I batch this for a party?
Yes—multiply all ingredients by the number of servings and mix in a pitcher (shake over ice before serving).
What’s a good orange liqueur to use?
Cointreau or Triple Sec work well. Grand Marnier adds depth with a slightly richer taste.
Do I need to strain the carrot juice?
If it’s very pulpy, you might want to strain for a smoother cocktail.
Is this cocktail vegan?
Yes! All ingredients used are plant-based.
Final Thoughts
This Carrot Mezcal Margarita is vibrant, bold, and such a fun twist on tradition.
Whether you’re hosting a spring gathering or just shaking up something new for yourself, this cocktail brings brightness, depth, and a splash of color to every sip.
Spicy Carrot Mezcal Margarita
Ingredients
For the Cocktail:
- 3 oz carrot juice
- 1 ½ oz mezcal
- ½ oz orange liqueur
- ½ oz fresh lime juice
- Scant ½ oz agave nectar
- Ice
For Garnish:
- Flaky sea salt
- Ground chili powder
- Lime wedges
- Carrots or carrot greens
Instructions
- Mix sea salt and chili powder on a small plate.
- Run lime wedge around rim of glass; dip into chili-salt mixture. Add ice.
- In a shaker, combine carrot juice, mezcal, orange liqueur, lime juice, and agave nectar with ice. Shake well.
- Strain into rimmed glass. Garnish with lime wedge, carrot, or greens. Serve immediately.
- See full steps with tips & photos → https://p4pd.org/carrot-mezcal-margarita/
Notes
- Fresh cold-pressed carrot juice works best for vibrant flavor and color.
- Mezcal adds a deep smoky profile; sub with tequila for a milder taste.
- Adjust agave to taste if you prefer it sweeter or drier.
