Believe it or not, one thing I often crave on a winter cocktail menu is a bright, refreshing drink. I do enjoy winter cocktails that are strong and heavy with winter spices. However, I feel strongly that a successful cocktail menu should have a drink for everyone. That includes all types of cocktails; bright and refreshing, strong and savory, etc. Moreover, winter is citrus season so what better time to showcase those wonderful flavors?
In Good Spirits is a cocktail created for a dinner party I attended with family. I chose Mezcal for the base in attempt to turn them on to something unfamiliar. Next, honey and Domaine de Canton ginger liqueur were chosen for the sugar component. Honey and ginger work fantastically with Mezcal and they are familiar flavors that appeal to a wide audience. Then, a combination of grapefruit and lime were chosen to counter the sugar and play off the Mezcal. All together, these flavors worked in perfect harmony and proved to be a proper crowd pleaser.
2 oz. Los Amantes Joven Mezcal
½ oz. Domaine de Canton
½ oz. Honey Syrup (2:1, Honey: Water)
¾ oz. Grapefruit Juice
¾ oz. Lime Juice
Pour all ingredients into a cocktail shaker, fill it with ice and shake vigorously. Then, double strain the cocktail into a chilled coupe and garnish with a lime.