Jalapeño Cilantro Mezcal Margarita

With the 4th of July just around the corner, and our June cleanse just wrapping up, we figured this was the perfect time to share a Conscious Cocktail recipe! Since we eliminate alcohol during the cleanse, this recipe is a great way to transition into your 80:20 eating plan. For more information about our 80:20 Lifestyle Program which is part of our Conscious Cleanse on Demand, click here.

This recipe features a spirit that has been getting a lot of attention this summer – mezcal!

Mezcal, like tequila, is a distilled spirit made from the agave plant. While tequila is only made from blue agave plants, mezcal can be made from any agave plant. When making mezcal, instead of steaming the agave before distilling as is customary for tequila production, the agave is cooked in large earthen ovens with charcoal and lava rocks. This is what gives mezcal its signature smoky taste.

We’ve created a cocktail that combines the smokiness of mezcal with the tartness and sweetness of grapefruit. Add to that the kick from the jalapeño, and you’ve got a margarita that’s sure to impress your guests.

Do you have a favorite cocktail you’d like us to give a Conscious makeover? Let us know in the comments below!

With love and smoky cocktails,

Jo & Jules

Jalapeño Cilantro Mezcal Margarita

Yield: 1 cocktail

Ingredients:

• 1/2  grapefruit, juiced
• 2 limes, juiced
• 2 oz Mezcal
• 1-2 jalapeño slices
• ⅛ cup cilantro
• 1 tsp agave (optional, omit for low sugar)
• Pineapple slices, for garnish (optional)
• Ice

Instructions:
Pour ¼ cup lime juice into shaker. Add jalapeño and cilantro. Muddle jalapeño and cilantro in the lime juice. Add remainder of lime juice, grapefruit juice, mezcal and agave (optional) and ice into the shaker. Shake to mix the ingredients thoroughly. Fill your favorite glass with ice and pour contents into shaker. Garnish with a slice of pineapple, a sprig of cilantro or jalapeño for extra spice. Enjoy!