Jai Alai Recipe

Cocktail

1. 1

   Prepare glass

   Pour the smoked salt onto a small shallow plate. Moisten the rim of an old-fashioned (rocks) glass with a cut lime wedge and gently dip the rim into the smoked salt so a thin, even coating adheres. Set the glass aside and chill if desired.

2. 2

   Build and shake

   Fill a cocktail shaker with the large ice cubes. Add 1.5 oz añejo tequila, 0.5 oz reposado tequila, 0.75 oz fresh lime juice, 0.5 oz orange curaçao, and 0.5 oz agave syrup to the shaker. Add 1 dash charred grapefruit peel oil or 1 dash grapefruit bitters. Secure the lid and shake vigorously for 12–15 seconds until the shaker is well-chilled and slightly frosted.

3. 3

   Strain and serve

   Double-strain the cocktail into the prepared smoked-salt rimmed old-fashioned glass over one large fresh ice cube (or two medium cubes).

4. 4

   Finish and garnish

   Express the oils of a grapefruit twist over the surface of the drink by holding the twist over the cocktail and giving it a sharp snap so the oils spray onto the cocktail. Rub the twist around the rim if you like extra aroma, then drop the twist into the glass as garnish.

5. 5

   Serve immediately. The combination of aged tequilas, bright citrus and charred grapefruit oil with a smoked-salt rim yields a savory, smoky-citrus cocktail inspired by the spirit-forward, layered profile suggested by the name 'Jai Alai.'