Smokey booze is fun.
Ok, all booze is fun.
My friend Karen was nice enough to invite me to a little Mexican-themed dinner party last week. I think there was a basketball game on too… but that’s of little interest to me. Is it football season yet?!
Mom taught me never to show up empty-handed, so I brought one of my favorite summer salads – Watermelon Cotija. With its salty cheese, sweet melon, and a little bite from onion and jalapeno, I think it qualifies as #strangebutgood.
BUT being creative in the kitchen doesn’t have to stop with food. You need libations to go with it! Margaritas are the natural pairing with Mexican… that’s a little too normal for me.
What I came up with is a sort of pineapple margarita, but rather than tequila, I used its smokier cousin Mezcal. Like tequila, mezcal is made from agave. It differs in that for mezcal the agave is usually roasted in rock-lined pits, which give it a fantastic smokiness. I like to say that it’s Mexico’s version of scotch.
In this mezcalita, the flavor is balanced with sweet grilled pineapple and a lightly sweetened limeade. I like a boozier drink, but if you like yours on the sweeter side you can add agave or even some orange juice. You can also just use tequila if you don’t like smoke. 🙂
We did eat something other than the salad and the drink! Karen grilled chicken, peppers, and onions in a fantastic homemade cilantro sauce. It was delicious with her sides of Mexican rice, beans, guacamole, salsa, corn tortillas, and cheese.
You never leave Karen’s house hungry. And that, my friends, is marvelous.
Check out Katie’s link up to see what else is marvelous on this Monday!
Piña Mezcalita
- 1 pineapple, peeled, cored, and cut into 1″ slices
- 1 jalapeño, sliced
- ¼ cup cilantro leaves
- 2 C mezcal
- 15 oz limeade (I used Odwalla)
- 1/2 C lime juice
- Optional: agave syrup or other sweetener
First, grill the pineapple. Heat a nonstick grill pan over high heat, or heat an outdoor charcoal or gas grill to high. Place the pineapple slices flat on the grill, and cook, flipping once, until charred on both sides (~4 mins). Remove from pan and let cool completely.
Place the grilled pineapple, jalapeño, and cilantro in a pitcher. Using a muddler or wooden spoon, crush fruit and herbs until broken down.
Fill with ice, and then add mezcal, lime juices, and syrup (if using). Stir well and pour into glasses filled with ice, to serve.
***
I know that’ first shot isn’t the breast best pic… did you catch the one I posted on Facebook this weekend?
Did your parents teach you to never show up as a guest empty-handed?
Have you ever had mezcal? What is your favorite Mexican food or drink?
My parents didn’t teach me but somewhere along the way I picked up the “never show up empty handed” thing!!
That Pina Mezcalita looks really good!!!
I don’t think I can pick 1 favorite Mexican food – love all of it!!!
It’s like choosing a favorite kid, right? 😉
My mom did kind of drill into my head that I should never show up empty handed. That sounds like a delicious Mexican feast!! And the Pina Mezcalita looks delicious.
Mmm…that looks awesome!
I’ve never had a mazcal, but it sounds awesome!
And my parents totally didn’t teach me proper etiquette in that department. Whoops.
This may NEED to be my signature summer drink! I love Mexican food so I could probably live on this entire meal if the rest of the world would let me 😉
Ha! I am the SAME way.
My Mom was the drill sergeant when it came to manners and of COURSE she taught me not to show up empty handed, PLUS not to show up sharp but also not more than 15 minutes late. Gosh, I could go on and on…. 🙂
Ah, that drink sounds fantastic – grilled pineapple??? That must taste heavenly. I love Sangria too. With dry champagne and grapes in it, yumm. Mexican Food – so hard to choose. Definitely Nachos with cheese and guac, or chicken Quesadilla.
Ohhhh… I bet grilled pineapple would be great in a sangria too!!
You look great! 🙂 And so does the deliciousness you guys had. Nom.
Thank you!!!
i’ve never had mezcal… does it taste like tequila? tequila is one of the liquors i absolutely hate… i always try and order margaritas because they look so good at mexican restaurants and i can literally only take one or two sips! i’m a vodka and wine girl through and through!
I don’t think it’s tastes like tequila because of the smokiness… it’s just made from the same plant. But if you like the more neutral tasting stuff it may be a bit strong!
Sounds delicious! Doesn’t all of that fruit and healthy stuff cancel out the booze?! I think it does! Have a great day, Laura!
That’s what I tell mysefl! 😉
My family is European, so I pretty much grew up with the impression that you can win people over with food. I always love to bring a little something whenever I visit someone, but I have to admit that my intentions are a little bit selfish – I bring a peanut free dessert so that I’m sure there’ll be something there for me to enjoy 😆
And that’s why I belong in Europe… one day… 😉
IM OBSESSED WITH NEVER GOING EMPTY HANDED…and as a result Ive brought me some weird gifts.
but Ive brought 🙂
I would invite you over just to see what you’d bring… and of the company, of course. 😉
Mmm that drink sounds perfect for a Mexican themed party. I’ve never tried Mezcal,
I’ve tried mexcal before and didn’t like the smoky taste. I think this sounds like something I’d like using tequila though!
I always try to bring something to a party/gathering as well. I’m not a margarita fan at all – but love salsa does that count as Mexican 😉
Salsa definitely counts as Mexican! It’s one of my weaknesses.
Watermelon salad . . . . yum. My fav mex food is a grilled fish taco!
Yay for Mexican food! Boo for basketball. haha I too am counting down for pigskin.
And did you see hockey is still on??? WTF?!
I’m a taco salad lover, but really, I love salads any way you make them. Everything can be made into a salad in my book! I always take something to a friends house when invited over. It’s a must!
Same here – especially in the summer. I crave them!
Love mezcal. Adding this to my list of things I must have as soon as bebeh arrives. And yes, I feel really weird showing up as a guest without some sort of offering.
I will personally deliver it to you. Post-delivery. 😉
I’ve never tried Mezcal. Sounds interesting! I LOVE Mexican food – bean + cheese enchiladas are my favorite.
I knew you would like the Mexican angle. 😉
YUMMMMMMMMMMM! Jose Andres had a Mezcal/Tequila tasting last week in DC! SUPER fun … being super slammed! Looks like you ladies had an awesome time! 😀
I am soooo jealous!!! Mezcal is just now catching on in ATL.
this drink looks yummy. I love jalapeno in my cocktails!
I remember trying mezcal when I was in Mexico! It’s good stuff 😉
Favourite Mexican food?! That’s such a hard question! I’d have to go with either chicken hard tacos or chicken mole…both require a ton of guacamole though. And last time I was in Mexico I developed a bit of a mojito obsession.
I wish I was in Mexico right now…
I never show up empty handed and you just gave me a marvelous idea I love bringing drinks to guests houses but the boring drinks stink! Thanks for giving me a spicy hot recipe 😉 I’ve had mezcal before at a tequila tasting although tequila makes me wild + free so I stick to vodka 🙂 thanks for sharing love + shine Courtstar
I was thinking about variations for this drink, and I do think vodka would work well. If I were doing that, I may even add some orange!
I love a good cilantro sauce. You’ll have to post the recipe soon! I always bring something to a party, if not food then a case of beer. Nobody ever complains! 🙂
You can’t ever go wrong with bringing the booze! 🙂
Yes my mom taught me to never show up empty handed! I usually bring some kind of dessert as I love to bake and sweet things usually go over well. This drink and salad sound great!
Dessert is another item you can’t go wrong with bringing to a party – who doesn’t like something sweet? 🙂
I don’t drink, but I do LOVE Mexican food!!! Mmmm!
My mom def taught me to always go with something to bring/share. She’s a wise woman!
I hope you don’t drink! That baby would come out with the hiccups. 😉
Mmm, with grilled pineapple, how can you go wrong?
Love the pic & the fun! I always ask what I can bring since I am not the best at bringing the right thing! 😉
So glad you are getting out & having fun with the twins! 🙂
People will never complain if you show up with cookies… I’m just sayin’… 😉
Mm, yes, I COULD go for a smoky pineapple margarita right about now. What, I’m sitting in the office? No problem, I’m sure it would taste just as good out of a travel mug…
I’ve never had mezcal, but I’m all in for trying it. I love smoky, scotchy liquors. And dark beer. But you already knew that 😉 And nope, I never want to show up empty-handed! If I’m a guest, I’m showing up with something, my parents definitely ingrained that in me.
I see that Dragon’s Milk EVERYWHERE now!! Next time you come, we’ll have a mezcal cocktail. 🙂
So, a flick has recently switched in my brain and I can finaly enjoy liquors again, instead of just wine and beer. Bring it.
Ohhhh… bring your liquor-loving brain back here and I have just the spot to take you.
I like the way you think, girl! Margaritas are my favorite cocktail next to wine. I’m a huge fan of tequila. I’ve had mezcal before, but preferred my Don Julio. 🙂
Are you a scotch fan? I can’t remember…
I’ll sip a manhattan (Bob LOVES good whiskey), but it’s not my first choice. 🙂
Ohhh… Manhattan is my drink!
we love our margaritas and guacamole 😉 we love tequila!
Tequila + Avocado-anything = the Good Life
drool. that looks like just the right about of kick to get me going!
I am not allowed to go to dinners empty-handed either. Also, if someone leaves a dish at my house, my mother taught me to re-fill it before I return it. I’m 40 and I still have to listen to my mother. 🙂
Mine did the same thing!!! I’ve been known to bake cookies just so I could return tupperware.
i think i need to make friends with your friends. just sayin…
You need to come to ATL. I’m just sayin’…
Hey what else do you need when you have margaritas lol!
Awesome post as usual….and btw nice job working those Incline bench presses 😉
Bench presses? I wish!
I could have sworn it was the incline work that gave birth to the twins haha…just joking :). Glad to hear ur recovering well!
I usually bring something to a gathering – it used to be my favorite wine from a Virginia vineyard, which I can’t find anywhere now in Georgia 🙁 I miss my hometown for that reason!
That salad sounds perfectly summery. My go-to dish for a party is either pasta salad or deviled eggs, but I think that salad would be a good branch out!
As for tequila, or any cousin of it, I have such awful memories of a tequila-induced hangover. I don’t touch it anymore.. or any blue liquor!
That’s too bad! Have you tried to get someone to order the wine for you? Ansley Wine is really good about doing that for me!
I don’t like showing up empty-handed either, although your contributions were amazing. I love a good margarita and one with smoky pineapple flavors….um, yes please. You might even have to cut me off, and by might, I mean definitely.
Oh hey…. want to come over the mezcalitas tonight? 😉
On my way!