Muddle/grind fresh red bell pepper, one thin slice of jalapeño and pinch of salt with the shrub in a shaker. Add rye and mezcal and gently muddle/press 5-6 fresh sage leaves in shaker. Shake vigorously for at least 20 seconds. Strain and pour straight up into small drinking glass (no ice). Slap one large sage leaf, rim the glass and discard. Garnish with red bell pepper slice with attached dried sage leaf over rim of glass and light one end. Carefully extinguish the flame and let it smoke while serving. Avoid getting ashes into the drink!
*Red bell pepper shrub recipe:
- 4 oz. agave syrup
- 4 oz. unfiltered apple cider vinegar
- 4 oz. diced fresh red bell pepper
- 1-2 slices of fresh jalapeño
- 5-10 fresh sage leaves
Simmer all ingredients except sage over low heat for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat, stir in sage leaves, cover and let cool. Refrigerate 24-48 hours. Strain into small jar and keep refrigerated.
This was a contest entry for Bulleit at Tipsý bar in Reykjavík, Iceland. The theme was "America". I based this concept on the old west, sage brush, rye, agave, smoking gun.... you get the picture. The name is a reference to a famous od west novel by Zane Grey - full story behind the drink at the link above. Anyway, I didn't win but this is one of my best concoctions. Very unique spicy/savory and the shrub and smoking sage really bring something to it.
