Wipe the rim of a rocks glass with a cut lime. Pour a small amount of coarse or smoked salt onto a plate and gently press the moistened rim into the salt to coat. Set the glass aside.

Prepare garnish: slice a lime wheel or twist a strip of grapefruit peel and set aside.

Mix Cocktail

Add ingredients to shaker: Pour 2 oz mezcal, 0.75 oz fresh lime juice, 0.5 oz agave syrup, 0.5 oz orange liqueur, and 0.5 oz fresh grapefruit juice (if using) into a cocktail shaker. Add 1 dash of bitters if desired.

Add ice: Fill the shaker with large ice (enough to chill without over-diluting) and secure the lid.

Shake: Shake vigorously for 10–15 seconds until the shaker is frosty to the touch and the mixture is well chilled.

Strain: If serving on the rocks, add a large ice cube to the prepared glass and double-strain the cocktail into the glass using a Hawthorne and/or fine strainer. If serving up, fine-strain into a chilled coupe without ice.

Finish & Serve

Garnish: Express the oils from the grapefruit twist over the drink (if using) and drop it in, or rest the lime wheel on the rim. If you salted the rim, ensure garnish sits comfortably without dislodging the salt.

Serve: Present immediately. Sip slowly to appreciate the smoky mezcal balanced by citrus and a touch of sweetness from agave.