Agave Spirit Recipe

Rim the glass (optional)

If you want a salted rim, rub the lime wedge around the outer edge of a rocks or coupe glass then dip the rim into a shallow dish of coarse or smoked salt to coat lightly. Set the glass aside.

Chill the glass by placing it in the freezer for a few minutes or fill with ice water while you prepare the cocktail, then discard the ice water before pouring.

Combine ingredients

In a cocktail shaker, add 2 oz blanco tequila, 0.5 oz mezcal, 0.75 oz fresh lime juice, 0.5 oz agave nectar, 0.5 oz orange liqueur, and 0.5 oz fresh grapefruit juice (if using). Add 1 dash angostura bitters if you want extra depth.

Add ice and shake

Fill the shaker about two-thirds full with ice. Secure the lid and shake vigorously for 12–15 seconds, until the shaker is chilled and well-aerated.

Strain

Double-strain the cocktail into the prepared chilled glass over fresh ice (for a rocks glass) or without ice into a coupe. Use a fine mesh strainer in addition to the shaker strainer to remove small ice shards and pulp for a clean texture.

Garnish with a lime wheel or wedge on the rim. Express a grapefruit twist over the drink or lightly slap a sprig of thyme and rest it on top for an aromatic note. Serve immediately.

Taste and adjust: if the drink tastes too tart, add 0.25 oz more agave nectar; if too sweet, add 0.25 oz more lime juice. For more smoke, increase the mezcal to 0.75 oz and reduce tequila to 1.75 oz.