Mezcalita de Jamaica
This Mezcalita de Jamaica is a vibrant, smoky, and citrusy cocktail that brings together the deep tartness of hibiscus tea with the bold flavor of mezcal. Fresh orange, lemon, and lime juice balance the floral notes of the jamaica, while a hint of simple syrup rounds out the drink.Finished with a Tajín and smoky sea salt rim, this mezcalita is perfect for summer afternoons, or anytime you’re craving something unique and delicious.
Ingredients
For the cocktail
- 2 oz mezcal
- 1½ oz agua de jamaica, chilled
- ¾ oz orange liqueur, Cointreau or Triple Sec
- ¾ oz fresh lime juice
- ½ oz fresh lemon juice
- ½ oz fresh orange juice, or store-bought
- ¼ – 1 oz simple syrup, to taste
- Ice
For the rim
- Honey or agave
- Tajín
- A pinch or two of smoky sea salt, optional
Instructions
- For the rim, brush a corner of your glass with either honey or agave. Sprinkle with Tajín and a pinche or two of smoky sea salt if using, and set aside.
- Add the mezcal, agua de jamaica, orange liqueur, lime juice, lemon juice, orange juice and simple syrup to a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake vigorously for 15–20 seconds until ice cold and well combined.
- Taste before straining, the balance should be smoky from the mezcal, tart from the jamaica, bright from the citrus, and just slightly sweet. Add a touch more simple syrup if it needs sweetness or an extra squeeze of lime if it needs more brightness.
- Fill the prepared glass with ice, then strain the cocktail into the glass. Garnish with a dried hibiscus flower and/or dehydrated lime wheel on the rim.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- Adjust the simple syrup depending on how sweet or tart your agua de jamaica is.
- For a spicier kick, add a few dashes of hot sauce into the shaker before mixing.
- Use a smoky mezcal for a deeper flavor, or a milder one if you prefer it lighter.
- If you prefer, you can use a full rim of Tajín instead of just a corner.
- Make sure the agua de jamaica is unsweetened so you can control the balance of the drink.
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