March Low Carb Cocktail: Smoky Basil Margarita

Our first mezcal cocktail creation is here as the perfect, garden-inspired start to springtime! The smoky mezcal pairs brilliantly with the herbal notes of the basil and cucumber, making this cocktail a savory addition to your evening festivities. Shake these ingredients together for a refreshing drink to celebrate any warm-weather weekend.

SMOKY BASIL MARGARITA

I used Gem + Bolt Mezcal from my local Top Shelf Wine & Spirits, my favorite place to find specialty liquor for all of my cocktails. Gem + Bolt’s mantra is “Make art, share plant awareness, celebrate, repeat.”, and if that’s not completely on-brand with my interests, I don’t know what is.

Ingredients:

  • 2 oz of Gem + Bolt Mezcal (I got mine from Top Shelf Wine + Spirits)
  • 1 handful of fresh basil
  • the juice of two limes
  • 1/4 cucumber
  • lime flavored sparkling water (I used La Croix)
  • salt for the rim

For a sweeter option: Basil Stevia Simple Syrup

  1. Bring one cup of water to a boil.
  2. Add 2 tablespoons of stevia, a few sprigs of basil, and let it simmer at low heat for about 5-10 minutes until stevia has completely dissolved.
  3. Remove from heat.
  4. Let it cool at room temperature before using, refrigerate the rest.

Lazy option: Drop a few drops of Trader Joe’s Liquid Stevia into your glass.

INSTRUCTIONS:

  1. Run a lime slice over the rim of the glass and dip it into a plate of salt.
  2. Muddle the cucumber and basil together.
  3. Combine muddled cucumber and basil, mezcal, ice, and lime juice (optional: basil stevia simple syrup) in a cocktail shaker + shake well.
  4. Strain into a rocks or margarita glass over ice.
  5. Top with sparkling water, garnish with cucumber and basil, and enjoy!

And that’s how to make a Low Carb Smoky Basil Margarita! Be sure to tag me in your photos with the hashtag #CupofOjCocktail. Discover all of my monthly low carb cocktail recipes, and stay tuned for a brand new recipe next month!

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