Barsys
Smoldering Citrus
About
The Smoldering Citrus cocktail is where smoke meets shadowy citrus. It takes the bold, roasted character of Del Maguey VIDA Clásico Mezcal and threads it through the deep, tart richness of blood orange juice. The result is dark, moody, and quietly dramatic without being heavy.
A small touch of agave syrup rounds out the sharper edges, giving the drink a grounded sweetness that lets the smoke linger instead of dominate. Served over ice in a rocks glass, Smoldering Citrus feels earthy and refined - the kind of cocktail you sip slowly as the room gets quieter. It’s savory, citrusy, and unapologetically atmospheric.
Shaken or Stirred? Shaken. Shaking helps soften the mezcal’s smoke and fully integrate the thick blood orange juice.
What You'll Need
For one Smoldering Citrus cocktail:
- 1.5 oz Del Maguey VIDA Clásico Mezcal
- 1.5 oz blood orange juice
- 0.25 oz agave syrup
Glass: Rocks glass
Garnish: Orange wheel and burnt rosemary
Pro Tip: Use freshly squeezed blood orange juice when possible. Bottled juice can dull the drink’s brightness.
How to Make It
Prep Time: 3 minutes
Skill Level: Easy
- Add mezcal, blood orange juice, and agave syrup to a shaker with ice.
- Shake firmly until well chilled.
- Strain into a rocks glass filled with fresh ice cubes.
- Garnish with an orange wheel and a lightly burnt rosemary sprig.
Using Barsys Cocktail Maker?
Barsys Coaster 2.0 Cocktail Maker is ideal for Smoldering Citrus. Load the mezcal for precise pours, add fresh blood orange juice and agave syrup, then shake and strain. When smoke and citrus are tightly balanced, precision matters.
For the full recipe, download the Barsys App.
Tasting Notes
The Barsys Edge
Mezcal cocktails can swing too smoky or too sour fast. Barsys keeps the agave sweetness controlled and the citrus bright, ensuring the mezcal stays expressive without overpowering the drink - every single time.
Sip Setting
Perfect for late evenings, candlelit rooms, or anytime you want a cocktail that feels dark, thoughtful, and slow-burning.
Garnish Game
The burnt rosemary isn’t just visual. It adds a savory, smoky aroma that deepens the mezcal and makes the first sip more immersive.
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FAQs
Is Smoldering Citrus very smoky?
It’s balanced. The smoke is present but woven into the citrus, not overwhelming.
Can I use regular orange juice instead of blood orange?
You can, but blood orange adds depth and acidity that regular orange lacks.
Is this cocktail sweet?
Lightly. The sweetness comes mainly from the orange and a small amount of agave.
Is this a good mezcal introduction?
Yes. The citrus softens the smoke, making it approachable but still authentic.
Can I batch this cocktail?
Yes. Batch the ingredients and shake individual servings with ice before serving.