Smoked Sage Margarita

I love using regional ingredients in my drinks, and New Mexico has plenty to offer.  The Smoked Sage MArgarita has become quite a hit at Secreto Lounge (where I tend) using fresh sage leaves “smoked” into a fresh made margarita.  I also use a homemade smoked salt that I do at home , partially as an excuse to toss a pork shoulder on and have some barbecue as well.  Some commercial smoked salts are available, nad are pretty good, however most of them are made with liquid smoke, so use your discretion.

So on to the drink:

Smoked Sage Margarita

• 1 1/2 oz Reposado tequila ( Ilegal Mescal is even better)
• 1 oz orange liqueur
• 1/2 oz fresh lime juice
• smoked salt
• 2-4 semi dried sage leaves

Combine tequila, orange liqueur, and lime juice in a mixing glass.  Take a Boston shaker and place upside down on top of two mixing glasses to form a pyramid.  carefully light the sage leaves and capture the smoke inside the invert shaker.  When smoke begins to pour out of the bottom, stop and toss the burnt leaves in your margarita, ice the mixing glass and cap it with your smoked filled Boston shaker.  Shake for 10 seconds then strain into a smoked salt rimmed glass filled with ice.  Garnish with a sage branch and lime wheel.

Sound like a lotta work?  Then come to Secreto and have one instead.