This recipe is from the talented Hrafnkell Ingi, barkeep of Skál in Reykjavik, Iceland.

MARGARITA:

• 1 oz caramelized honey syrup
• ¾ oz lime juice
• 2 oz Reposado tequila (100% agave preferred)
• 3 dashes of Birch Smoked Salt saline solution
• Saltverk Birch Smoked Salt

SALINE SOLUTION:

• 3 1/2 tsp. Saltverk Birch Smoked Salt
• 1/3 cup water

Make a 20% saline solution by dissolving the salt in the water, stirring until dissolved.  Put the solution in a dropper bottle for ease of use.

For the caramelized honey syrup, add 500 g of honey into a pot and bring to a boil.  Once it hits boiling, immediately turn heat as low as you can while maintaining a simmer.  Stir the mixture frequently to avoid burning on the bottom (you want caramelization, but not burning).  This can take 10-15 minutes.  The aroma of the honey should become less floral and more malty and chocolatey.  Once finished, put it to the side and bring 200ml of water to a boil.  Then, very carefully, combine the two, stirring well to incorporate.  Syrup will last one month refrigerated. 

Rim a glass to your liking with Saltverk Birch Smoked Salt. Add all ingredients to a cocktail shaker with ice.  Shake until well chilled and strain into your pre-rimmed glass.  Skál!

Serves: 1