Based around Mezcal Don Ramón Salmiana from their Joven range, this mezcal captures the rich legacy of Mexican land, bringing an otherworldly allure to your festivities. With agave aged between 8 to 10 years, it offers a hauntingly perfect balance of smoky, citrusy, and floral aromas.
This cocktail is a gorgeous balance of smoke and sweetness. The mezcal brings that signature smoky depth right up front, then the marmalade rounds it out with a warm citrusy sweetness that never feels heavy. The mandarin juice adds a bright, juicy lift, and the cinnamon and clove tie everything together with a cozy, spiced finish. It is the kind of drink that feels like fall and celebration all at once, floral, smoky, and just the right amount of sweet.
The Story Behind the Marigold
Cempasúchil, also known as Mexican marigold, is one of the most meaningful flowers in Mexican culture. Its bright orange and yellow petals are traditionally used during Día de Muertos, the Day of the Dead, to guide the spirits of loved ones home with their color and scent. Using the petals in this cocktail is a beautiful little nod to that tradition, and it makes this drink feel just as festive as it looks. If you are celebrating Día de Muertos, our Día de los Muertos Margarita is another lovely option to pour alongside this one.
Where to Find Marigold Petals
Edible marigold petals show up at Mexican grocery stores and specialty markets, especially in the weeks leading up to Día de Muertos in late October and early November. Farmers markets are another great bet, and some online spice or edible flower shops carry dried petals year round. If you can’t track any down, you can find them on Amazon.
Why Lush Life Loves It
We love this cocktail because it turns a beautiful piece of Mexican tradition into something you can actually sip and savor. The smoky mezcal and warm spices make it feel special without being complicated, and it is a wonderful way to bring a little seasonal magic to your home bar. Every part of this drink, from the marmalade to the marigold, feels intentional and worth celebrating.
A Few Notes and Swaps
This cocktail is a gorgeous balance of smoke and sweetness. The mezcal brings that signature smoky depth right up front, then the marmalade rounds it out with a warm citrusy sweetness that never feels heavy. The mandarin juice adds a bright, juicy lift, and the cinnamon and clove tie everything together with a cozy, spiced finish. If you love that smoky mezcal character, our Mezcal Negroni and Mezcal Tommy’s Margarita are wonderful ways to keep exploring it.
Notes and Swaps section (revised):
- No mezcal on hand? A good reposado tequila will still give you a lovely sipping cocktail, just with less smoke
- Want it a touch sweeter? A splash more marmalade does the trick beautifully
- Serving a crowd? This scales up wonderfully as a batch cocktail, just multiply the ingredients and stir together right before serving over ice
- Love mezcal in your cocktails? Try our Pensador Mezcal Left Hand next
FAQ
Can I make this cocktail ahead of time?
Yes! You can combine the marmalade, cinnamon, clove, and marigold petals ahead of time and store the mixture in the fridge for up to a day. Shake with the mezcal and mandarin juice fresh right before serving.
What can I use instead of marigold petals?
A small twist of orange zest or a few dried hibiscus petals will give you a similar pop of color and floral note if cempasúchil petals are hard to find.
Is this cocktail very smoky?
It has a gentle smokiness from the mezcal, balanced nicely by the marmalade and mandarin juice. If you prefer a lighter smoke, a joven mezcal like the one used here is already a great gentle choice.
Here is the cocktail
Cempasúchil (Marigold) Cocktail Recipe
Ingredients
- 50 ml Mezcal Don Ramón Salmiana
- 45 ml marmalade
- 15 ml mandarin juice
- marigold petals
- cinnamon and clove