Sidewinder Recipe

Time8m

Serves1

Mezcal, Xila, Lime | Funky, smooth and smokey in all the right ways

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Ingredients

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1
Optional smoked-salt rim
If you want a smoky-salty accent, place a small plate with smoked sea salt. Moisten the outside rim of a rocks glass with a lime wedge and lightly dip the rim into the smoked salt so it adheres. Set the glass aside.

2
Add 2 oz mezcal, 0.75 oz Xila, 0.75 oz fresh lime juice, 0.25 oz agave syrup (only if Xila is not very sweet), 0.25 oz dry curaçao (optional to boost orange notes), and 2 dashes Angostura bitters into a cocktail shaker.
3
Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for about 12–15 seconds until well-chilled and slightly diluted.
4
If you used a rim, discard any excess salt from the glass. Add one large ice cube or fill the prepared rocks glass with fresh ice.
5
Double-strain (or fine-strain) the shaken cocktail into the prepared rocks glass over the fresh ice to keep the drink smooth and free of ice shards and pulp.

6
Express the oils of a lime wheel over the surface of the drink by squeezing the wheel skin-side down above the glass, then drop the wheel or wedge into the glass as garnish.
7
Optionally, for an extra smoky aroma, briefly pass the glass (or a small piece of lime peel) through a smoking cloche or use a smoking gun to chase a light smoke into the glass. Serve immediately.