Modern: Desert Dune Rider

Name: Modern: Desert Dune Rider
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lime wedge; 1 teaspoon Smoked salt or kosher salt, for rimming the glass; 1 teaspoon Smoked salt or kosher salt, for rimming the glass; ¼ teaspoon ground sage, for rimming the glass; 2 ounces blanco or reposado tequila; 2 ounces blanco or reposado tequila; 1 ounce fresh grapefruit juice; ½ ounce fresh lime juice; ¾ ounce Honey-Sage Simple Syrup, preferably made with Nevada desert honey; ¾ ounce Honey-Sage Simple Syrup, preferably made with Nevada desert honey; 2 ounces sparkling water, preferably Topo Chico; 2 ounces sparkling water, preferably Topo Chico; 1 fresh sage leaf, for garnish

Preparation info

Makes
1
Drink

Difficulty
Easy

Appears in

Spirits of '76

By Kim Laidlaw

Published 2026

About

Inspired by Nevada’s rugged desert landscapes, this refreshing cocktail highlights ingredients rooted in the region. Floral desert honey and wild sage evoke the state’s arid beauty, while bright citrus and crisp Topo Chico add lift. It’s a refreshing, earthy drink that captures the spirit of Nevada’s open spaces.

Ingredients

1 lime wedge
1 teaspoon Smoked salt or kosher salt, for rimming the glass
¼ t

Americas
United States
Nevada
Drinks
Vegetarian
Gluten-free

Method

Rub the rim of a chilled rocks glass or highball glass with the lime wedge. Combine the smoked salt and sage on a saucer and dip the rim of the glass in the seasoning to coat the edges. Fill the glass with ice.

In a shaker filled with ice, combine the tequila, grapefruit juice, lime juice, and simple syrup. Cover and shake vigorously until well chilled. Strain into the prepared glass.</