Crafting the perfect cocktail is an art form, a balancing act of flavors, aromas, and textures that can transport the drinker to another place and time. The Cinnamon Hibiscus Mezcal Margarita is a testament to this artistry. It’s a drink that is as visually stunning as it is delicious. This cocktail is not just a beverage; it’s an experience, a journey through a landscape of flavor that is both exotic and familiar.

At the heart of this cocktail is mezcal, a spirit known for its smoky depth and complex character. Mezcal lays a bold foundation for the cocktail, with its smoky essence evoking the allure of open flames and time-honored rituals. This is complemented by the hibiscus syrup, a vibrant concoction that lends the cocktail a striking purple hue and a tart sweetness reminiscent of cranberries but with floral undertones. The hibiscus, often celebrated for its color and flavor in various cultures, adds a layer of sophistication and a touch of the exotic to the drink.

In creating the distinctive hibiscus syrup, dried hibiscus flowers were utilized. The process involved simmering these dried flowers in a mixture of water and sugar, allowing their floral and slightly tangy essence to fully infuse the liquid. The homemade hibiscus syrup, crafted from these carefully selected dried flowers, brings an authentic and natural sweetness to the cocktail, elevating it beyond a mere mixture of ingredients into a crafted experience that tantalizes the senses with every sip.

Where can I find hibiscus flowers?

Dried hibiscus flowers, often referred to as “flor de Jamaica,” can be found in specialty or international food stores, particularly those with a focus on Latin American, Caribbean, African, or Middle Eastern products. Health food stores and tea shops may also carry them, given their popularity in herbal teas and health benefits. For convenience and a broader selection, online marketplaces like Amazon offer a variety of dried hibiscus flowers suitable for culinary use. Ensure they are labeled for eating or brewing to guarantee safety and quality.

Triple sec, a clear orange-flavored liqueur, introduces a citrusy sweetness that cuts through the tartness of the hibiscus and the smokiness of the mezcal, balancing the drink with its bright, fruity notes. The inclusion of fresh lime juice further enhances this balance, adding a zesty tang that invigorates the palate and complements the cocktail’s other flavors beautifully. The acidity of the lime juice not only contrasts the sweetness of the syrup and the triple sec but also ties all the flavors together, creating a harmonious blend that is both refreshing and deeply satisfying. The addition of orange bitters adds another layer of complexity, deepening the cocktail’s citrus profile with a sophisticated, bitter undertone that enhances the overall depth of flavor.

What sets this margarita apart is the use of a cinnamon stick shaken with the cocktail. This method infuses the drink with a warm, aromatic spice that is subtly different from the more direct flavor of ground cinnamon. The cinnamon stick releases its essence slowly, imbuing the cocktail with a gentle warmth and a hint of spice that dances on the tongue without overwhelming the drink’s other flavors. This touch of cinnamon evokes a sense of comfort and nostalgia, adding to the cocktail’s complexity and depth.

The cocktail is served in a glass rimmed with a mixture of sugar and ground cinnamon, providing a sweet and spicy introduction to the drink. Each sip begins with the crunch of the sugar and the warmth of the cinnamon, followed by the smooth, rich flavors of the cocktail itself.

The Cinnamon Hibiscus Mezcal Margarita stands as a masterful fusion of distinct tastes, from the earthy whisper of cinnamon and the floral tartness of hibiscus to the rich smokiness of mezcal and the vibrant punch of citrus. This concoction transcends the boundaries of ordinary cocktails, offering a unique sensory journey that merges the familiar with the novel. Beyond mere refreshment, this drink is a celebration of artful mixology, inviting aficionados and novices alike to savor a blend that is as enchanting to the palate as it is to the imagination.

Cinnamon Hibiscus Mezcal Margarita

5 from 2 votes

Recipe by Kyle Taylor Course: CocktailsCuisine: MexicanDifficulty: Easy

Servings

servings

Total time

minutes

The Cinnamon Hibiscus Mezcal Margarita is an enchanting blend of smoky mezcal, tart hibiscus syrup, zesty citrus, and warm cinnamon. It offers a unique and sophisticated twist on a classic cocktail.

Ingredients

For the Margarita
2 ounces 2 mezcal
1 1/2 ounces 1 1/2 hibiscus syrup
1 ounce 1 triple sec
1/2 ounce 1/2 lime juice
2 dashes of 2 orange bitters
1 1 cinnamon stick
for the rim, ground cinnamon
for the rim, sugar
for the rim, lime wedge
ice cubes
For the Hibiscus Syrup
1 cup 1 water
1 cup 1 sugar
1/2 cup 1/2 dried hibiscus flowers

Directions

Make the Hibiscus Syrup:
In a saucepan, combine water, sugar, and hibiscus flowers. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 10 minutes. Let cool, strain, and refrigerate until ready for use.
Prepare the Rim:
Mix sugar and ground cinnamon on a plate. Use a lime wedge to moisten the glass rim, and then dip in the sugar-cinnamon mix.
Mix the Margarita:
Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add mezcal, hibiscus syrup, triple sec, lime juice, and orange bitters. Drop a cinnamon stick into the shaker. Shake vigorously for about 15-20 seconds, allowing the cinnamon stick to move around and infuse the cocktail with its aroma and flavor.
Serve:
Strain the cocktail into the prepared glass, filled with fresh ice. Garnish with a cinnamon stick and additional hibiscus flowers.