Mezcal Magic: A Refreshing Twist on the Classic Cocktail
A San Francisco Inspiration
Meet the mastermind behind this stunning cocktail: Christopher Longoria of restaurant 1760 in San Francisco. He’s crafted a drink that not only showcases mezcal’s unique flavor but also smooths out its rough edges, resulting in a bright, sophisticated, and wickedly strong concoction.
Gather Your Ingredients
To create this masterpiece, you’ll need a few essential items:
- A bottle of Hangar 1 Kaffir Lime Vodka
- A moderately smoky mezcal, such as Del Maguey’s Vida
- Special equipment: a wooden muddler and a four-prong bar strainer
Get Ready to Shake Things Up
This easy-to-make cocktail requires only 10 minutes of active time and yields one delightful drink.
The Recipe
Ingredients:
- 2 medium basil leaves, plus 1 small leaf for garnishing
- 1 ounce fresh lime juice
- 1 tablespoon superfine sugar
- 1/2 ounce lime vodka
- 3/4 ounce mezcal
- 1 ounce tequila blanco
- 1/2 ounce Cointreau
- 1 egg white
- Ice
- Pinch of celery seed, for garnish
Shake, Strain, and Serve
Instructions:
- Chill a coupe glass in the freezer.
- In a cocktail shaker, combine the basil leaves, lime juice, and sugar; muddle vigorously.
- Add the vodka, mezcal, tequila, Cointreau, and egg white. Shake without ice to emulsify the egg white (a.k.a. “dry shake”).
- Fill the shaker halfway with ice and shake until the outside is frosty.
- Double-strain into the chilled glass using a bar strainer set over a small sieve.
- Garnish with a pinch of celery seed and a small basil leaf.
The Perfect Blend
This cocktail is a harmonious balance of flavors, with the mezcal adding a smoky depth and the basil providing a fresh, herbaceous note. The lime juice and vodka add a touch of brightness, while the tequila and Cointreau provide a subtle complexity. With its vibrant colors and enticing aroma, this drink is sure to impress.
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