Designed by Brian Van Flandern, dubbed 'America's Top Mixologist' by The Food Network, the Smokin' Margarita is a masterpiece of flavor balance. Van Flandern, who helped open Chef Thomas Keller's Michelin three-star restaurant Per Se as the head mixologist and served as Diageo's first-ever Global Brand Ambassador, applied his deep understanding of culinary flavor profiling to this drink.

The cocktail takes the traditional sweet and sour profile of a classic margarita and introduces the rich, earthy spice of chipotle chili and hickory smoke, bringing the flavor of an outdoor grill to the glass.

Smokin' Margarita cocktail with black lava salt rim

The Smokin' Margarita

Prep time: 5 minutes Yield: 1 Cocktail Profile: Smoky, Spicy, Tart

Ingredients

  • Premium Tequila (Reposado recommended)1.5 oz
  • Smokin' Margarita Mixer (or fresh lime, agave, chipotle powder)1.5 oz
  • Agave Nectar (for rimming)0.5 oz
  • Black Lava SaltFor rimming
  • Lime wheelGarnish

Instructions

  1. Put a small amount of agave nectar in one shallow dish and the black lava salt in another.
  2. Dip half of the rim of your rocks glass into the agave, wipe away any excess, and then dip that same half into the black lava salt.
  3. Fill the prepared glass with fresh ice (use clear ice if possible).
  4. Combine the tequila and the mixer in a shaker filled with ice. Shake vigorously for 10 seconds.
  5. Strain the cocktail over the ice in your prepared glass.
  6. Garnish with a lime wheel and serve.
Pro Tip: The Mezcal Boost

To amplify the smoky profile of this cocktail, substitute 0.5 oz of the Tequila with a high-quality, artisanal Mezcal. The roasted agave notes of the Mezcal pair perfectly with the chipotle and hickory.

How to Make a DIY Chipotle Hickory Salt Rim

The rim of a margarita glass is prime real estate for flavor. Choosing the right salt can completely alter the profile of your drink. While standard kosher salt works for a classic margarita, a smoky drink demands a more robust rim.

Salt/Spice Type Flavor Profile Best Paired With
Tajin (Chili-Lime Salt) Citrus & Spice Mango or Watermelon Margaritas
Black Lava Salt Earthy & Smoky Smokin' Margarita or Mezcal Drinks
Himalayan Pink Salt Clean & Saline Classic Lime Margarita
DIY Chipotle Salt Spicy & Roasted Mix 3 parts Kosher salt with 1 part smoked chipotle powder