Lightly toast 2 whole pasilla chiles in a dry skillet over medium heat for 10–20 seconds per side until aromatic (do not burn). Split the chiles and place them in a clean jar. Pour 6 oz reposado tequila over the chiles, seal, and leave at room temperature for 4–12 hours, tasting after 4 hours for desired heat and chocolate-smoky notes. Strain through a fine mesh and reserve. Use 0.5 oz of this infused tequila in the cocktail in place of the pasilla chile-infused tequila note.

Prepare Demerara Simple Syrup

Combine equal parts demerara sugar and water (by weight or volume) in a small saucepan — for this recipe, 1/2 cup sugar + 1/2 cup water is sufficient. Heat gently, stirring until sugar dissolves. Cool to room temperature and store in the refrigerator. Measure 0.5 oz for the cocktail.

Make the Cocktail

Measure & Combine

Add 2 oz Celaya Reposado tequila and 0.5 oz pasilla chile-infused tequila (or substitute 0.5 oz pasilla chile liqueur) into a cocktail shaker.

Add Fruit & Sweetener

Add 1 oz passionfruit purée (or strained pulp from 2–3 passionfruits), 0.75 oz fresh grapefruit juice, 0.5 oz fresh lemon juice, and 0.5 oz demerara simple syrup to the shaker.

Dry Shake

Dry shake (no ice) vigorously for 10–12 seconds to integrate and aerate the passionfruit for a silky texture.

Shake with Ice

Add a generous handful of ice to the shaker and shake hard for 12–15 seconds until well chilled and slightly diluted.

Strain

Double strain the cocktail into a chilled coupe or rocks glass over fresh ice, depending on preference. Double straining removes seeds and larger pulp for a smooth sip.

Finish & Garnish

If desired, lightly rim a portion of the glass with a mix of crushed demerara and a pinch (about 1/8–1/4 tsp) of pasilla chile flake for aroma. Float a tiny pinch (a few grains) of toasted pasilla chile flake on top or tuck a thin dried pasilla strip on the rim. Add a grapefruit twist or small wheel for aroma and visual contrast.

Serve

Serve immediately. Encourage guests to smell the grapefruit twist and subtle pasilla aroma before sipping to experience the interplay of smoky-spicy chile with bright passionfruit and citrus.