Salt Air Margarita Recipe

Dissolve salt

Place 1 tablespoon coarse sea salt in a heatproof jar or bowl. Pour 120 ml very hot water over the salt and stir until fully dissolved.

Add neutral spirit

Allow the salt water to cool to warm (about 10 minutes), then stir in 60 ml neutral spirit (vodka). This creates a preservable saline aerosol base. Cool completely, then refrigerate. Yields roughly 180 ml; use 0.5 oz (15 ml) per cocktail.

Prepare glass

Chill a rocks or coupe glass in the freezer for 5–10 minutes. Run a lime wedge around the rim, then dip the rim into coarse sea salt (about 1 tsp) so it lightly coats the edge. Set glass aside.

Combine cocktail

In a cocktail shaker, add 2 oz reposado tequila, 1 oz orange liqueur, 1 oz fresh lime juice, and 0.5 oz agave syrup. Add large ice cubes (about 1 cup or enough to chill thoroughly).

Shake and dilute

Cap the shaker and shake vigorously for 12–15 seconds until the outside is frosty and the mixture is well chilled and slightly diluted.

Add salt air

Strain the cocktail into the prepared chilled glass over one large ice cube (or serve up if preferred). Measure 0.5 oz (15 ml) of the prepared salt air solution and float or gently pour it over the top so it remains slightly on the surface, imparting a delicate saline note and a glossy sheen.

Garnish and finish

Express a citrus twist (lime or seasonal citrus) over the drink to release oils, then drop it in or hang it on the rim. If desired, lightly mist the surface of the cocktail with an atomizer/food-safe spray filled with the salt air solution for a more pronounced 'salt air' aroma. Serve immediately.