COCKTAIL: Mezcal Margarita

Mezcal is similar to tequila and also comes from Mexico. Tequila and mezcal are both made from the agave plant. For tequila, they steam the agave to begin the process of getting alcohol from it. But for mezcal, they roast the agave in clay pots first which gives it a deep smokiness. And when they age it in oak barrels it gives it even more character. It's like sipping a tequila and smoking a cigar, all in the one breath. Two great vices in one great sip. What's not to like??? Mezcal or tequila that has been aged between at least two months to a year in a barrel is called reposado while anything aged over a year is anejo. Some of the best are aged from 2-4 years.

Ingredients and Method:

• 50 ml of quality Mezcal
• 20 ml of Cointreau
• 10 ml of agave or sugar syrup
• 10 ml of fresh lime juice
• 1 dash of Angostura bitters
• Ground black pepper

Method:

• Chill a martini glass with some ice.
• Place all liquid ingredients into a shaker with more ice, put the lid on and shake it for 10 seconds.
• Remove the ice from the glass. Wet half the rim of the glass with some more agave or sugar syrup. Rub the rim into the ground black pepper.
• Strain the drink into the glass.