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How to make the Mercado Margarita, a supremely balanced cocktail

An elevated take on an iconic cocktail

By Mark Stock Feb 12, 2026 8:40 AM

Toro Chicago spread. — Toro Chicago

There are a few good reasons to bust out a great margarita recipe and get to shaking. For starters, we’re in the midst of the exciting winter Olympics. Also, many of us are stuck in the winter cold, eager for something a little more tropical, if only in our glass.

Need another reason? Well, National Margarita Day is coming up, should you be the type to celebrate such a thing. It goes down on the 22nd and bars all over the land are celebrating. You can make a classic, sure, but why not go with something a little more crafty?

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That’s where this drink comes in, a Margarita that achieves a special kind of harmony. It’s a special blend of complementary flavors and a cool bit of presentation. The drink looks a bit like a sunset somewhere faraway and beach-y.

So, keep shuffling through those barrel-aged beers and hot cocktail recipes. But if you want something a little more south of the border, this is your drink. It’ll take you away to the streets of Mexico City, by way of a great Windy City restaurant.

This recipe comes to us from Toro Chicago. Read on for details.

Mercado Margarita

This is a drink that’s all about balance, giving you equal parts acidic kick, floral elements, and a spiciness.

Ingredients:

1 1/2 ounces Casamigos Jalapeno
2 ounces sweetened Les Boirons Passion Fruit Puree
1 ounce lime
1 ounce hibiscus rosemary foam
1/2 ounce agave
Citrus wheel for garnish

Method:

Shake all ingredients except foam in tin with ice and strain over cocktail glass with fresh ice.
Add foam and garnish with dehydrated orange.

Mark Stock is a writer from Portland, Oregon. He fell into wine during the Recession and has been fixated on the stuff since… Read Full Bio

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