Tommy’s Mezcal Margarita: Bright, Balanced, Elegantly Simple
Flavor Profile: Bright Citrus, Floral, Earthy
With just three perfectly balanced ingredients, the Tommy’s Mezcal Margarita proves that simplicity can be the ultimate form of sophistication.
Learn how Fósforo is made on our mezcal process page.
How to Make a Tommy’s Mezcal Margarita
2 oz. Fósforo Mezcal Ensamble
¾ oz. Fresh Lime Juice
½ oz. Agave Syrup
Measure ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake vigorously and strain into a chilled old fashioned glass with ice and a tajin rim. Garnish with a lime coin.
Why Fósforo for Tommy’s Margarita?
Fósforo Mezcal Ensamble, a blend of wild Tobalá and Espadilla agave, is smooth yet full of character – ideal for spirit-forward builds like this Tommy’s Margarita. Its subtle smoke, floral notes, and mineral edge highlight the lime’s tartness while deepening the cocktail’s earthy structure.
This version is a mezcal-forward margarita that respects its source – mezcal, lime, and agave – each note shining clearly, with no distractions.
The History of Tommy’s Margarita
Created by Julio Bermejo at Tommy’s Mexican Restaurant in San Francisco in the early 1990s, the Tommy’s Margarita reimagined the classic by replacing orange liqueur with agave syrup. The result was a cleaner, brighter cocktail that celebrated the quality of the tequila – and later, mezcal – at its core.
The Tommy’s Mezcal Margarita carries that tradition forward. With Fósforo Mezcal as the foundation, it honors Bermejo’s minimalist vision while offering an earthy, floral expression uniquely rooted in Puebla.
Tips for the Perfect Three-Ingredient Mezcal Margarita
Use high-quality agave syrup – it should be 100% pure.
Fresh-squeezed lime juice is essential for brightness and balance.
Tajín rim optional – but it elevates the cocktail with a citrus-salt-spice hit that complements the mezcal.
FAQ: Tommy’s Mezcal Margarita with Fósforo Ensamble
Q: What’s the difference between a Tommy’s Margarita and a classic margarita?
A: A Tommy’s Margarita replaces the orange liqueur (like triple sec or curaçao) with agave syrup, making it lighter, brighter, and more agave-focused.
Q: Why does mezcal work well in a Tommy’s Margarita?
A: Mezcal adds smoky complexity and earthy nuance, turning this three-ingredient build into a cocktail with depth and character.
Q: Can I batch this cocktail ahead of time?
A: Yes. Combine mezcal, lime juice, and agave syrup in advance and refrigerate. Shake each serving with ice before pouring to maintain texture and chill.
Q: What’s the ideal glass for this drink?
A: An old fashioned glass with fresh ice and a Tajín or salt rim offers the best structure and presentation.
