Mixed Berry Basil Mezcal Margarita

Summertime calls for mezcal – specifically, a mezcal margarita. And my Mixed Berry Basil Mezcal Margarita is where it’s at! It’s perfectly light and refreshing, and filled with just the right amount of fruit without sugar overload. As far as cocktails are concerned, this is a better-for-you option that is absolutely delicious!

Friends, what is your favorite cocktail?! For me, the answer is the same, no matter what time of year. Can you guess what it is? If you’re a long-term Kalejunkie reader, then you may know that it’s a margarita. Whether it’s a festive, Christmas Margarita in the winter, or a cool and refreshing Mango Margarita in the summer, you can’t go wrong with a margarita, year-round. Heck, even my Avocado Margaritas will knock your socks off!

But while I love a traditional tequila margarita, one of my favorite ways to spice-up a margarita is by swapping out the tequila for mezcal. And if you’ve never had mezcal, then you’re in for a real treat! Think of mezcal like the dark and mysterious sister of tequila. 😉 While it comes from the agave plant, just like tequila does, it’s processed by being cooked inside of an earthen pit lined with lava rocks, before being distilled into clay posts. This is unlike tequila, which is processed by steaming the agave inside of industrial ovens, before it’s distilled.

Since its process differently from tequila, mezcal tends to take on a more savory, smoky flavor. I love it, but I also know it’s an acquired taste! So, if you aren’t a fan of mezcal, or if you only have tequila on-hand, that’s okay! You can swap out the mezcal 1:1 for the tequila and still enjoy a delicious drink.

What You Need to Make This Berry Summer Cocktail

Would you believe me if I told you that you only need five ingredients to make this berry cocktail? It’s true! This recipe could not be more simple, and if you are someone who tends to make margaritas on the regular, then you may even have the ingredients already sitting at home!

• Frozen Mixed Berries: To get that cold, creamy berry taste, we’ll be using frozen mixed berries for this cocktail recipe. You can use any combination of berries that you’d like, but personally I love using frozen blueberries, blackberries, and raspberries. Yum!
• Basil: You’ll want to use fresh basil leaves, in this recipe.
• Mezcal: As mentioned earlier, this is a mezcal margarita, meaning we’ll be using smoky and savory mezcal! My favorite is by Mezcal Alerón, but you can use any mezcal that you prefer. And if you prefer tequila, you can absolutely swap it out instead!
• Cointreau: A little cointreau is necessary for any good margarita recipe!
• Lime: You didn’t think I’d make a margarita recipe and forget the lime, did you?! Of course, you need a squeeze of fresh lime in this recipe.

The Easiest Way to Make This Delicious Berry Basil Margarita

Making this margarita could not be any easier! Simply start by preparing your glass; pour a small handful of sea salt into a bowl, and set aside. Then, cut your lime into wedges, and rub one of the wedges alongside the edge of the glass. Carefully dip the rim of your glass into the sea salt, until it sticks to the rim and coats it as completely as possible. Then, set your glass aside.

In a blender, add in the rest of your margarita ingredients (the berries, basil leaves, mezcal, cointreau, and lime) and blend until smooth.

Pour your blended margarita into your glass, top with another sprig of fresh basil, and enjoy!

If you make this recipe, please be sure to leave a review and rating below! And, since I practically live on Instagram, be sure to tag me in your creations so that I can repost them! xx

** Photography by Gayle McLeod