Smoked Agave Martini

Smoked Agave Martini

The Smoked Agave Martini is our spirit-forward take on the mezcal martini. SWOL Añejo forms the oaky, agave-rich base, a quarter ounce of mezcal layers in smoke, and a dash of orange bitters lifts the aroma. It is stirred, not shaken, so it stays silky and clear, then served up with expressed grapefruit oils over the top. This is the martini-form smoky drink, distinct from a smoky old-fashioned, and it is about elegance and restraint. Below are the ratios, the stir method, and how to tune the smoke.

INGREDIENTS
  • 2 oz SWOL Añejo Tequila (the hero, aged agave depth as the base)
  • 1/4 oz mezcal (for a layer of smoke, not the whole drink)
  • 1 dash orange bitters (aromatic lift)
  • Garnish: expressed grapefruit peel and its oils
HOW TO PREPARE
  1. Chill a martini or coupe glass with ice water.
  2. Add SWOL Añejo, mezcal, and orange bitters to a mixing glass with ice.
  3. Stir for 20 to 30 seconds until well chilled and diluted.
  4. Empty the serving glass and strain the drink in.
  5. Express a grapefruit peel over the surface, then rest or discard it and serve.
Style of Glass to use
  • Martini Glass
Garnishes
  • Grapefruit

Getting the mezcal ratio right

A 1/4 oz mezcal to 2 oz tequila ratio gives a whisper of smoke that supports the aged agave rather than overwhelming it. For a smokier mezcal martini, go to 1/2 oz mezcal. For a barely-there hint, use a mezcal rinse in the glass instead of adding it to the mix.

Stirred, not shaken

Because this drink is all spirits with no citrus juice, it should be stirred. Stirring chills and dilutes without adding air bubbles, so it stays clear and velvety. Shaking would cloud it and bruise the texture.

Make it a dirty mezcal martini

For a savory version, add 1/4 to 1/2 oz olive brine and garnish with an olive. The brine plays against the smoke for a mezcal take on the dirty martini, a popular variation in this search.

Glassware and garnish

Serve up in a martini glass or a coupe. Express the grapefruit peel by pinching it skin-side down over the drink so the oils spray across the surface; that citrus aromatic is what frames the smoke.

Make it a batch

For 8, combine 16 oz SWOL Añejo, 2 oz mezcal, and 8 dashes orange bitters with about 5 oz cold water for stir dilution. Keep in the freezer and pour straight into chilled glasses.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a mezcal martini?

A spirit-forward martini built on mezcal or agave spirits; this one uses SWOL Añejo with a touch of mezcal for smoke.

Is the Smoked Agave Martini smoky?

Yes, gently; the mezcal adds smoke that supports rather than dominates.

Should I shake or stir it?

Stir, because it is all spirits with no juice.

Can I make it dirty?

Yes, add olive brine and an olive for a dirty mezcal martini.

How do I make it smokier?

Increase the mezcal to 1/2 oz or use a smokier mezcal.

What glass is best?

A chilled martini glass or coupe.

Which tequila should I use?

SWOL Añejo, whose aged agave depth is the base of the drink.

Smoked Agave Martini TIPS

Stir Slow, Zest Bold

For a crystal-clear presentation and silky mouthfeel, stir slowly for 20–30 seconds with large ice cubes to chill without over-diluting. When garnishing, hold the grapefruit peel over the glass and give it a firm twist to release aromatic oils — it adds a fresh citrus lift that balances the smoky mezcal and rich añejo beautifully. Want extra depth? Torch the grapefruit peel briefly before expressing it for a hint of caramelized aroma.

MADE WITH

SWOL Anejo Tequila Limited Release (750Ml)

750 ML

$89.99

$109.99

Sale

SWOL Anejo Tequila Limited Release is an extremely limited edition; a special release of just 10,000 bottles. Each hand-numbered bottle has a peel-off iron patch which is designed by Los Angeles-based artist Rise Work.

Combining ancient and modern techniques and a deep love and passion for Authentic Tequila, SWOL Tequila comes from Mexico. When two friends journeyed to Mexico...

- +

View More Recipes

Caramel Apple Tequila Flip
Caramel Apple Tequila Flip
View Recipe
Cinnamon Sugar Sleigh Ride
Cinnamon Sugar Sleigh Ride
View Recipe
Pecan Pie Manhattan
Pecan Pie Manhattan
View Recipe