I Only Smoke When I Drink Recipe
Make I Only Smoke When I Drink Recipe in just 10m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.
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Ingredients
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Smoky Mezcal Cocktail
Method
Smoky Mezcal Cocktail
- 1
Prepare glass
Pour the smoked salt onto a small plate. Rub the rim of an old-fashioned glass or rocks glass with a lime wedge, then gently dip and roll the rim into the smoked salt so it adheres. Set the glass aside in the freezer or fill with ice to chill while you build the cocktail.
- 2
Build and chill
Fill a cocktail shaker about two-thirds full with ice.
- 3
Measure and pour
Add 2 oz mezcal, 0.5 oz reposado tequila, 0.75 oz fresh lime juice, 0.5 oz fresh grapefruit juice, 0.5 oz agave syrup, 0.25 oz orange liqueur, and 2 dashes Angostura bitters into the shaker.
- 4
Shake
Shake vigorously for 12–15 seconds, until the outside of the shaker is well-chilled and slightly frosted. This chills and properly dilutes the drink.
- 5
Prepare smoked aroma (optional)
If using the rosemary sprig for a smoked aroma: briefly toast the tips of the rosemary over a flame until it smolders, then capture the smoke in a large mixing glass or inverted shaker. Place the shaken cocktail (strained) into the smoked container for 5–8 seconds then remove — or simply wave the rosemary briefly over the finished drink for aroma. Use caution when creating smoke; do this over a sink or non-flammable surface.
- 6
Strain and serve
Discard ice from the chilled serving glass if you were chilling it. Double-strain (or fine-strain) the cocktail from the shaker into the prepared rocks glass over one large ice cube or fresh large ice. This keeps the drink cold while minimizing dilution.
- 7
Garnish
Express a grapefruit twist over the drink by pinching the peel to release oils, then rub the peel on the glass rim and drop it into the cocktail. If you used the smoked-rosemary technique, optionally lay the smoldering sprig briefly on top of the ice (extinguish fully) to lend a final smoky note.
- 8
Serve
Serve immediately. Sip slowly to appreciate the interplay of smoky mezcal, bright citrus, and the sweet-spicy backing from agave, orange liqueur and bitters.