Wood-Fired Citrus Smash
A smoky, bright cocktail blending citrus and subtle spice with a hint of charred wood essence. This cocktails & drinks-inspired cocktails & drinks ready in about 5 minutes brings together mezcal, fresh grapefruit juice, fresh lime juice for a refreshing, crowd-pleasing drink — a bright, easy pour for parties, gatherings, or any warm-weather afternoon when you want something festive without alcohol-only options. Each serving lands at about 180 calories and feeds 1, so it works for entertaining, brunch, or a non-alcoholic option at the bar cart. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 2 oz mezcal
- 1 oz fresh grapefruit juice
- 0.5 oz fresh lime juice
- 0.75 oz agave syrup
- 2 dashes smoked chili bitters
Instructions
- Step 1: Fill a cocktail shaker halfway with ice cubes. Pour 2 oz mezcal, 1 oz fresh grapefruit juice, 0.5 oz fresh lime juice, and 0.75 oz agave syrup into the shaker.
- Step 2: Add 2 dashes of smoked chili bitters to the mix. Shake vigorously for 15 seconds until the shaker is frosty cold.
- Step 3: Strain the cocktail through a fine mesh strainer into a rocks glass filled with one large clear ice cube.
- Step 4: Express a wide strip of grapefruit peel over the surface, twisting to release oils, then rim the glass with the peel before placing it as garnish on the rim.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Wood-Fired Citrus Smash take to make?
Total time is about 5 minutes (5 min prep + 0 min cook). Most home bartenders find this fits a single afternoon; scale up the batch for parties or pitchers.
How do I store leftover Wood-Fired Citrus Smash?
Refrigerate any leftover wood-fired citrus smash in a sealed pitcher or jar for up to 3–4 days. Do not reheat — drinks are served chilled. If the recipe uses sparkling water or fresh herbs, hold those back and add fresh just before pouring so the drink stays bright and fizzy.
Can I substitute ingredients in Wood-Fired Citrus Smash?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Wood-Fired Citrus Smash for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 1 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 1). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Wood-Fired Citrus Smash?
Cocktails & Drinks cocktails & drinks like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
