Mojave Muerte Recipe

Combine and infuse

Place the 12 oz of neutral mezcal in a clean jar. Add the lightly crushed black peppercorns and pink peppercorns if using. Seal the jar and shake gently to combine.

Let the mixture infuse at room temperature for 24 hours, then taste. If you want a stronger pepper character, allow up to 48 hours, tasting every 12 hours. Do not exceed 72 hours to avoid overly bitter or vegetal notes.

When the infusion reaches the desired heat and aroma, strain through a fine mesh sieve lined with cheesecloth or a coffee filter into a clean bottle. Discard solids. The yield should be roughly the original liquid volume minus any absorption; label and refrigerate. Use chilled or at room temperature in cocktails.

Make hibiscus concentrate

Bring 6 oz (about 3/4 cup) water to a simmer in a small saucepan. Remove from heat, add the dried hibiscus petals, and steep for 10 minutes until deeply colored and aromatic.

Strain the hibiscus liquid into a clean container, pressing the petals to extract liquid. Discard solids.

Finish syrup

Return the hibiscus liquid to the saucepan, add 3 oz sugar, and warm gently while stirring until the sugar fully dissolves. Do not boil. Cool to room temperature, then refrigerate. This yields about 6 oz of syrup (0.5 oz per cocktail).

Prepare glass

Chill a coupe or Nick & Nora glass in the freezer or by filling it with ice water while you build the drink.

Combine ingredients

In a mixing glass (or shaker if you prefer a slightly more aerated result) add: 2 oz pepper-infused mezcal, 0.75 oz blanc vermouth, 0.5 oz hibiscus syrup, 0.5 oz fresh lemon juice, and 2 dashes grapefruit bitters.

Mix and chill

Fill the mixing glass with ice and stir briskly for 20–30 seconds until well chilled and slightly diluted. If using a shaker, dry shake briefly with no ice to integrate, then add ice and shake 8–10 seconds to chill, then fine-strain.

Strain and garnish

Discard ice/water from the chilled coupe and double-strain the cocktail into the glass. Express a lemon peel over the drink to release oils, wipe the rim with the peel, and drop it in or discard according to preference.

Optional: For a slightly smoky presentation, flame the expressed lemon oils briefly by holding a lit match near the peel as you express it (exercise caution).