recipe // blood orange mezcal margarita

Cinco de Mayo is upon us and that can mean one thing: margaritas are a must. Kate from Hola! Jalapeño is also hosting Margarita Week, so really it’s the perfect time to talk all things tequila, icy, and flavorful. It’s a known fact among my friends that if a drink menu lists mezcal as an ingredient, chances are good that I’ll order it. There’s something about the deep, smoky flavor that really speaks to me — maybe it’s because I am currently going through a scotch phase, too? Gimme da flavor! This margarita recipe comes with a healthy dose of mezcal and another favorite flavor, tart blood orange.

I tend to really love blended drinks because they make me feel like I’m on vacation (even if I’m just chillin’ on my deck). For an extra-icy feeling, we froze the blood orange slices, but normal slices will do perfectly well in a pinch. This recipe is pretty straightforward — throw it all in a blender and go!

Blood Orange Mezcal Margarita Recipe (Prep time: 10 min, serves 4)

Ingredients

• 8 ounces mezcal
• 3 ounces cointreau
• 6 ounces lime juice
• 4-5 blood oranges (pealed and sliced or cut in segments)
• 2.5 ounces agave syrup
• 2-3 cups ice

Directions

Peel and slice the blood oranges, then freeze overnight. This step isn’t necessary, but helps on a hot day!

Add all ingredients to a blender filled with ice. Pulse until the ice is roughly chopped, then blend until smooth. If your blender get stuck, you can add a little water or juice and continue blending.

Pour or scoop into cups and garnish with lime wheels.

These drinks get really good when they are slightly melted and the consistency of a Slurpee (yet another of my summertime staples).

Plus, a few finds for your own Cinco de Mayo festivities: 

photography by Jojotastic.