Fumo Selvaggio Recipe

Combine 2 cups fresh grapefruit juice and 1 cup granulated sugar in a nonreactive container. Stir until most of the sugar dissolves. Cover and refrigerate 8–12 hours (or overnight) to macerate, pressing occasionally to extract oils and flavors.

After maceration, strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth into a pitcher, pressing solids to extract liquid. Add 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar and optional 1 tablespoon grapefruit zest; stir to combine.

Taste and adjust: if too sharp add a touch more sugar, if too sweet add a teaspoon of vinegar. Refrigerate in a sealed bottle; will keep 2–3 weeks chilled. Use 1/2 oz per cocktail as listed.

In a small saucepan combine 1 cup sugar and 1 cup water. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring until sugar fully dissolves.

Remove from heat, add 8 fresh sage leaves, and steep for 15–20 minutes, pressing leaves gently to release oils.

Strain out leaves, cool completely, transfer to a bottle, and refrigerate. Keeps 2 weeks. Use 1/2 oz per cocktail as listed.

Chill glass

Place a rocks glass or coupe in the freezer for a few minutes or fill with ice water to chill while you prepare the cocktail.

Add 2 oz mezcal, 1/2 oz Italicus, 1/2 oz grapefruit shrub, 1/2 oz fresh lemon juice and 1/2 oz sage simple syrup into a mixing tin.

Add 2 dashes orange bitters and a large handful of ice (about 1 cup).

Stir vigorously for 20–30 seconds until well chilled and slightly diluted. If you prefer a brighter, shaken presentation, shake hard for 10–12 seconds and fine-strain into the glass; stirring yields a smoother texture.

Discard ice/water from chilled glass and strain cocktail over one large clear ice cube (or fresh ice) into the chilled rocks glass.

Express the grapefruit twist over the drink by holding it peel-side down and pinching to spray oils over the surface, then rub the peel on the glass rim and drop it in.

Take one fresh sage leaf and, if desired, briefly torch it with a lighter until the oils smoke for a second (hold it away from flame after ignition so it smolders only briefly). Immediately place the smoking sage on the drink to impart a smoky herbal aroma. If you prefer no flame, simply slap the sage leaf between your palms to release oils and float it on the surface.

Serve immediately and enjoy the balance of smoky mezcal, floral Italicus, bright grapefruit shrub and herbal sage.