Thursday, August 19, 2010

Thirsty Thursdays: Mysterious Mezcal Cocktail Edition


In search of a cocktail to launch the weekend, the husband found the formula for this drink last Friday night ... scratched out in haste on a post-it note, stuck to the front of one of my bar tending guides. Barely legible and cloaked in the mystery of my own particular brand of short hand - I obviously thought enough of it to save for later use, but didn't think to write down the name or the origin. More's the pity.

The husband promptly mixed up a batch and, honestly, we were stunned. This cocktail is so perfectly balanced, we fell instantly in love. It features an intriguing blend of mezcal, Aperol, tequila and sweet vermouth. A somewhat unlikely combination that yields the most delicious result.

At first sip, notes of tequila are present, followed by the inviting, herbal notes of the Aperol. The drink is quietly smoky on the finish, due to the mezcal, and that subtle hint of smoke is most pleasant, indeed! In fact, I'd go so far as to say this is my new favorite use for mezcal. I hope you'll try it!

The Mysterious Mezcal:
  • 3/4 ounce of Mezcal
  • 3/4 ounce of sweet vermouth
  • 1 ounce Aperol
  • 1 1/2 ounces tequila
  • dash of orange bitters
Pour all of the above into a cocktail shaker and fill with ice. Close the shaker and shake well, until the outside of the shake frosts. Pour the contents, ice and all, into a rocks glass - serve and enjoy, repeat as necessary!

I hope you'll try it ... and, if you do, you'll see for yourself that its an addictive little mix. You'll definitely want a second and possibly a third. Beware, though, it does pack a punch. You've been warned. ~wink~

I only wish I knew the origin of this drink. I've Googled my little fingers off and can find it anywhere. If you know the origin, please shout it out in the comments ... I'd like to give credit where credit is due.

Cheers!



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15 comments:

pixelgal said...

Dear Diva;
Was this picture taken with your new camera? If so, I'm impressed! You can see the little bubbles so clearly. If not, I want your old one! Anyway the drink sounds like something I might enjoy too.

XXXXOOOO

The Diva on a Diet said...

pixelgal - no, actually, it was taken with the old one, rather late at night too. I was quite surprised! Pleasantly! :)

I think you'd like this one too.

Suzy said...

Oh, I'm so glad to see Thirsty Thursdays has returned! This recipe looks so delicious and completely different...I think I will need to pick up some mezcal...and Aperol, and sweet vermouth...ok, everything but the tequila!

The Diva on a Diet said...

Thanks, Suzy - I'm glad to return to it as well. While I'd normal council against having to purchase specific ingredients for a drink - in favor of using what you've got - in this case I'll make an exception. This drink is good enough to warrant the additional purchases. Really, so yummy!

Mom said...

Wow, Mezcal AND tequila! You are living on the edge, Diva.

charmian @Christie's Corner said...

When I read your cocktail recipes I realize I am hopelessly ignorant about alcohol. Other than the tequila, I don't have any of these ingredients in my cupboard. Clearly, I need to do some research.

Fresh Local and Best said...

I'm intrigued. I've never tried mezcal, not aperol, but it sounds like a magical mix!

Anonymous said...

A fascinating mix, i would definitely love to try this cocktail!

Unknown said...

Oh my, I am a day late to thirsty Thursday. Bad housewife, bad. How pretty this one looks!
Have a wonderful weekend darling Diva.
*kisses* HH

The Diva on a Diet said...

Mom - you know it! ;)

Charmian - I think you'd really like the Aperol. Its flavor is unique and as a mixer its quite versatile. We've been having lots of fun with it this summer.

FLB - magical mix is just the word for it! It sounds like a wacky combo, but it works beautifully!

5 Star - I think you'd really like it. Get the husband to mix up a batch for you ... soon! :)

HH - hey, its OK to drink on Fridays too! Have a fabulous weekend yourself! xoxoxoxo

Mo Diva said...

that sounds aweomse. I love a good tequila recipe... and with good tequila LOL.
Not just good for shots! woo hoo!

Best Hamburger Recipe said...

yummy!! what a delicious recipe! :)

The Coconut Diaries said...

The only thing I've ever heard of was tequila, but it sounds delicious.

Doitagain said...

I found a recipe for a drink that has all the ingredients you listed, but I don't think its the right one...im going to have to try this on Friday night!

http://www.mezcal.com/recipes.html

The Diva on a Diet said...

Doitagain - wow, its the exact same drink! Though I don't think I got it from that site, because I think I would remember that page. Still, I'm grateful for your search and rescue on this. Thank you!