While I’m on the mezcal kick here’s another great drink I tried out. The Aperol adds a bitter citrus note that pairs well with the smoky-corn flavor of the Elite mezcal. I accentuated the smoke flavor even more with the Crude bitters, that blend together the flavors without letting the citrus become overbearing. I added the chili powder because it just seemed right – smoky and savory on the initial taste. If you don’t want to go overboard on the smoked flavors you can omit the chili powder and the Crude bitters. Admittedly I do love a drink that’s a step above a campfire.
Ingredients:
- 1 oz Mezcal Vago Elote
- 3/4 oz Aperol
- 1/2 oz lemon juice
- 2 dashes Angostura bitters
- 1 dash Crude “Pooter” bitters
- 3 oz Club soda
- Garnish with lemon peel
- Rim glass with chili powder
Mix the mezcal, aperol, lemon juice and bitters to a shaker. Prep the glass with the chili powder rim and add the club soda to the glass. Shake the ingredients over ice and strain over the club soda.
To rim the glass it’s as easy as wetting the portion you wish to coat lightly with water and sprinkling a small amount of chili powder over it. You can wipe or shake off any excess if you get carried away.
