Ghost Pepper-Strawberry Mezcal Margaritas

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Sweet, smoky, tart, and just the right amount of fiery, these mezcal margaritas get their kick from Melinda’s Ghost Pepper Strawberry Preserves. They're not for the faint of heart! But they are for lovers of a good flavor punch.

Ghost Pepper-Strawberry Mezcal Margaritas

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Ingredients

• Lime wheels or strawberries, for garnish

• Tajín or chili-lime salt, for rimming
  Ice

• 3 oz mezcal

• 1 oz silver tequila (optional: use 4 oz mezcal total if preferred)

• 1½ oz fresh lime juice (about 2 limes)

• 1 oz triple sec or Cointreau

• 1 heaping tablespoon Melinda’s Ghost Pepper Strawberry Preserves

• ½ oz agave syrup (optional, to taste)

Directions

1. Run a lime wedge around the rims of two rocks glasses. Dip into Tajín or chili-lime salt. Fill glasses with ice and set aside.

2. In a cocktail shaker, combine mezcal, tequila (if using), lime juice, triple sec, Melinda’s preserves, and agave (if using). Add ice and shake vigorously for 15–20 seconds to chill and combine.

3. Fine-strain into prepared glasses. Garnish with lime wheels or sliced strawberries.