Smoky Orange Margarita Recipe

• Level: Easy
• Yield: 4 to 6 servings
• Total: 45 min (includes cooling time)
• Active: 25 min
• Nutritional Analysis Per Serving (Serving Size: 1 of 6 servings)
  Calories: 383
  Total Fat: 0 g
  Saturated Fat: 0 g
  Carbohydrates: 55 g
  Dietary Fiber: 0 g
  Sugar: 52 g
  Protein: 0 g
  Cholesterol: 0 mg
  Sodium: 443 mg

• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cup fresh lime juice
• 1 cup orange liqueur
• 1 cup mezcal
• 1/2 cup fresh orange juice
• 1 clementine, cut into wheels
• Margarita salt, for rims

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1. Mix the sugar with 1 cup of water in a small saucepan. Heat to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring now and then, and simmer until it thickens a bit, around 10 minutes. Take off the heat and allow it to cool fully. (Yields about 1 cup.)
2. In a large pitcher, pour in the lime juice, orange liqueur, mezcal, orange juice, and 1/4 cup of the simple syrup. Stir everything together well. Taste it and add extra simple syrup if you want it sweeter.
3. Wet the rims of 4 to 6 rocks glasses using a clementine wheel, then coat the rims with margarita salt. Fill the glasses with ice (keep the pitcher ice-free) and fill them with the margarita mix.
4. Top each glass with a clementine wheel as garnish, then serve right away.

Discover the irresistible Smoky Orange Margarita—a bold twist on the classic that ignites your taste buds with mezcal's earthy smoke dancing alongside vibrant citrus bursts. Imagine crafting this refreshing gem for your next gathering: the zesty lime and orange juices mingle with orange liqueur's sweet lift, all balanced by homemade simple syrup you control for perfect sweetness. It's your invitation to elevate relaxed evenings into unforgettable moments!

Mezcal's unique smokiness, born from roasted agave in underground pits, adds captivating depth without overwhelming the fresh, tart juices. Clementine wheels not only garnish stunningly but infuse subtle sweetness when rimming glasses. For peak flavor, choose premium Joven or Reposado mezcal, squeeze juices fresh, and prep syrup ahead—it keeps in the fridge for a week, ideal for effortless party batches.

Pair this star with citrus-marinated grilled chicken, smoky pork tacos, or a Manchego-prosciutto-almond cheese board. Scale up for crowds, chill the pitcher, and shake servings with ice for ideal chill. Craving variety? Muddle jalapeos for spice, swap in blood orange for vivid tartness, or rim with smoked salt or Tajn. Serve icy in summer or sleek in coupes come winter—pure magic in every sip!

At 383 calories per serving, it's a indulgent delight packed with carbs from syrup and juices—sip responsibly as the zero-fat, alcohol-forward treat it is. Prep flies by in 25 active minutes; pre-chill glasses and syrup to speed things up. Scales seamlessly for any crowd!

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