La Hora Dorada

The Margarita is the most popular cocktail in the U.S. and variations on the template always sell well. This is my take on an aperitivo-friendly Margarita. A split base of smoky mezcal and lightly-aged reposado come together with aperitivo wine, lime, grapefruit, and agave, for an exceedingly refreshing, sort of Italianate Margarita. A salt rim tastes great here.

INGREDIENTS

1 oz. mezcal
1 oz. reposado tequila
½ oz. rosa aperitivo wine
¾ oz. lime juice
¾ oz. grapefruit juice
½ oz. agave

Garnish: salt rim, dehydrated grapefruit slice

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ABV LEVEL

Moisten the rim of a glass with a lime wedge. Apply a salt rim. Set aside. Combine all ingredients in a shaker and add ice. Seal and shake for 15 seconds. Dump into rimmed glass, top off with more ice, and garnish with a dehydrated grapefruit slice.