Xolos Mezcalita Vida Recipe

Prepare glass

Choose a rocks or coupe glass (about 8–10 oz). Place the Tajín on a small shallow plate. Run the lime wedge around the outer edge of the glass rim (or the entire rim if preferred). Gently dip the rim into the Tajín, rotating to get an even light coating. Set the glass aside.

If you prefer a chilled glass, fill it with ice water while you mix the cocktail, then dump ice water before straining.

Combine ingredients

In a cocktail shaker, add the mezcal (2 oz), orange liqueur (0.75 oz), fresh lime juice (0.75 oz), fresh orange juice (1 oz), and agave nectar (0.5 oz).

Add ice and shake

Fill the shaker with ice (enough to three-quarters fill). Secure the lid and shake vigorously for 12–15 seconds until the shaker is very cold and well chilled.

Fine chill (optional)

If you used a rocks glass and want a very cold drink, add fresh ice to the glass now. If you prefer served up, leave the glass empty or chilled and skip adding ice to the glass.

Strain

Double-strain the cocktail into the prepared Tajín-rimmed glass using a Hawthorne and fine mesh strainer to remove ice shards and pulp. For on-the-rocks service, strain over fresh large ice cube(s).

Garnish with an orange wheel or twist and a small lime wedge on the rim or skewer. Serve immediately.

Optional: For extra aroma, express an orange peel over the drink by holding the peel skin-side down over the glass and pinching to release oils, then rub the peel on the rim before dropping it in.