Barsys
Desert Smoke
About
The Desert Smoke cocktail is all about contrast. Smoke meets fruit, heat meets refreshment, and nothing feels out of place. Del Maguey VIDA Clásico Mezcal brings deep roasted agave and earthy smoke, while fresh watermelon juice cools everything down with clean, natural sweetness. Lime cuts straight through the middle, keeping the drink sharp and alert rather than soft.
The chili-salt rim is where the magic really happens. Each sip starts with heat and salinity, then melts into smoke and fruit before finishing bright and crisp. Served over a single large cube, Desert Smoke is slow, intentional, and quietly dramatic - the kind of cocktail that makes you pause after the first sip.
Shaken or Stirred? Shaken. Shaking chills the drink quickly and integrates the fruit with the mezcal without dulling the smoke.
What You'll Need
For one Desert Smoke cocktail:
- 1.5 oz Del Maguey VIDA Clásico Mezcal
- 1.0 oz watermelon juice
- 0.5 oz lime juice
Glass: Rocks glass
Rim: Salt & chili blend
Garnish: Watermelon wedge
Pro Tip: Use freshly juiced watermelon and fine chili salt - coarse blends can overpower the first sip.
How to Make It
Prep Time: 3 minutes
Skill Level: Easy
- Rim a rocks glass with salt and chili blend.
- Add mezcal, watermelon juice, and lime juice to a shaker with ice.
- Shake firmly until well chilled.
- Strain into the prepared rocks glass over a large ice cube.
- Garnish with a fresh watermelon wedge.
Using Barsys Cocktail Maker?
Barsys Coaster 2.0 Cocktail Maker is perfect for Desert Smoke. Load the mezcal for precise pours, add watermelon and lime juice, then shake and strain. Clean measurements keep the smoke balanced instead of overwhelming.
For the full recipe, download the Barsys App.
Tasting Notes
The Barsys Edge
Mezcal cocktails can tip fast - too much smoke and the drink turns heavy. Barsys ensures the agave stays bold but controlled, letting the watermelon and lime cool things down exactly as intended.
Sip Setting
Best enjoyed at golden hour, outdoors, or whenever you want a cocktail that feels dramatic without being loud.
Garnish Game
A simple watermelon wedge reinforces the cooling element. Keep it fresh and minimal - the rim already does the talking.
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FAQs
Is Desert Smoke very smoky?
It’s smoky, not aggressive. Watermelon keeps it balanced and refreshing.
Is this drink spicy?
Only lightly. The heat comes from the rim, not the liquid itself.
Can I serve this without a chili rim?
Yes, but you’ll lose a big part of the experience.
Can I batch this cocktail?
You can batch the liquid, but rim and ice should be done per glass.
Is this good for mezcal beginners?
Yes - the fruit makes it approachable without hiding the mezcal.