We love a margarita, but a mezcalita? Do tell. A mezcalita has the familiar sweet and tart elements of a margarita, but with the added smoky complexity of mezcal. This frozen version is SO refreshing and bursting with passion fruit for a fun and fruity twist.
Bonus? It’s (ridiculously) quick and easy with just 4 ingredients and 5 minutes required. Let us show you how it’s done!
What is Mezcal?
Mezcal is a liquor made from agave. It has a smoky flavor that comes from roasting the agave heart underground for several days. It’s then crushed or mashed, fermented, and the liquid is distilled twice, creating the final product.
In Mexico, mezcal is typically consumed straight rather than in a cocktail. However, the following drink is inspired by an incredible cocktail we tried in Mexico (at Manta) made with mezcal, passion fruit juice, and a popcorn-flavored salt rim.
How to Make a Frozen Passion Fruit Mezcalita
Our Manta-inspired take: the frozen passion fruit mezcalita! It’s refreshing like a frozen margarita with the added smokiness of mezcal and the intense fruitiness of passion fruit.
It comes together by blending just 4 ingredients: frozen seedless passion fruit, mezcal, agave, and freshly squeezed orange juice.
Then we salt the rim for a fun, festive look and intensified flavor. The final steps: Pour, invite friends, and enjoy!
We hope you LOVE this mezcalita! It’s:
Sweet
Tart
Fruity
Smoky
FUN
& SO easy to make!
It’s the perfect refreshing drink for at-home happy hours, summer gatherings, and beyond! Delicious pairings? Try our Charred Shishito Mango Salsa, Mexican Green Chile Veggie Burgers, Sweet Potato Black Bean Enchiladas, or Vegan White Bean Chile Relleno.
More Refreshing Cocktails
- Cucumber Cooler Cocktails
- Best Watermelon Margaritas (3 Ingredients!)
- Easy Traditional White Sangria
- Orange-Infused Whiskey Ginger
If you try this recipe, let us know! Leave a comment, rate it, and don’t forget to tag a photo @minimalistbaker on Instagram. Cheers, friends!
Frozen Passion Fruit Mezcalita
Ingredients
- 1 (12 oz.) bag frozen passion fruit purée (seedless // we like Pitaya // a 12 oz. bag yields ~1 ¾ cup)
- 1/4 cup mezcal (we like Madre or Del Maguey brands // ensure vegan-friendly as needed)
- 2 Tbsp agave nectar* (honey might also work)
- 1 medium blood or navel orange, juiced (save rinds after juicing, 1 orange yields ~1/4-1/3 cup or 60-80 ml)
- Sea salt (optional, for rim of glass)
Instructions
- Add the passion fruit, mezcal, agave, and orange juice to a blender and blend until creamy and smooth. Taste and adjust sweetness / strength of alcohol by adding more of either as desired.
- To rim serving glasses, add ~1 Tbsp salt to a small plate. Rim glasses lightly with juice by running leftover orange halves (or a lime wedge) around the rim of a glass, then immediately flip and dip the glass in salt.
- Divide between glasses and enjoy! Leftovers keep for 1-2 days, but will not be “slushy.” Can also freeze into ice cubes to reblend later.
Video
Notes
*Inspired by a drink at Manta in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.
*Nutrition information is a rough estimate calculated without optional ingredients.
Hanna says
Excellent! This was a hit. I used regular tequila because I didn’t have mezcal. I ended up adding a little more tequila and agave. Next time will try with mezcal.
Yay! We’re so glad it was a hit. Thank you for the lovely review, Hanna! xo
Sheppard says
Well this was delicious! Because agave nectar is really not good for you, I tried honey. I don’t recommend it! It seized up from the cold. Next time I will make a simple syrup with honey and use that. Thank you for sharing this!
We’re so glad you enjoyed it, Sheppard! We too have made that mistake with honey! You could also try maple syrup if you don’t mind the flavor!
We’re so glad you enjoyed it! Thanks so much for sharing. xo
Joli LaBissoniere says
This sounds incredibly delicious. Mezcal is one of my favorites and I love a good frozen slushy drink. I was so excited to see that passion fruit purée you linked is sold at Target, however, they don’t carry it at any of the stores near me and I wonder if you (or any anyone else) might have suggestions on an alternative. Perhaps pureeing mangoes or papaya? I know passionfruit has a unique flavor and I’m trying to figure out what might best replicate or replace it.
Hi Joli, maybe mango + pineapple and reducing the sweetener? We think mango would be too sweet on its own. Let us know if you try it!
Spiffy T says
Try Whole Foods if you have one at a convenient distance. That’s where I found mine.