Are you in need of a Stiffy? This delicious Mezcal drink is balanced with the citrus flavors of Cointreau and fresh lime. The drink is amped up with Guajillo Pepper simple syrup and a Chipotle sugar rim. This XXX recipe delivers a sassy tang, with wonderful smoke, and spice. Belly up to el Mezcaleria!
Almost 400 years ago the Spanish arrived in Mexico and taught the indigenous people the techniques of distillation. Mezcal was born,
Though Mezcal can be made from 30 different types of Agave, it is generally made from Agave Espadin, and Oaxaca produces about 60 % of the country’s Mezcal.
Producers of Mezcal traditionally roast agave in underground wood-fired pits, and distill in small batch copper-pot stills. Some of the best examples of Mezcal are smooth, amber-colored, and aged in Oak barrels. Mezcal is protected by an ‘Appellation of Origin’ and this Mexican standard of certification, verification, and monitoring supports the process and quality of Mezcal.
Mezcal & Tequila (Reposado)
Tequila is a form of Mezcal- but there are many differences.
By law, Tequila can be produced from only one agave- Blue Agave, while Mezcal can be made from many varietals Tequila is typically made in stainless steel autoclaves, rather than the artisanal underground fire pits that produce Mezcal’s more savory, smoky flavor. Both spirits get smoother with barrel aging, and both have quality and prices that vary widely.
So when you are ready for smoky Mezcal goodness, and you need a Stiff one… we have the drink for you.
The Stiffy (a Mezcal Cocktail)
Equipment
- Cocktail Shaker
Materials
Guajillo Chili Simple Syrup
- 1 Cup Sugar
- 1 Cup Water
- 2 Large Dried Guajillo Chilis-Deseeded and chopped
- Pinch of Salt
- Pinch of Nutmeg
Stiffy Rim
- 3 Tbsp Sugar
- 1 tsp Chipotle Chili Pepper powder
- 1 Lime wedge
Stiffy Cocktail
- 1 1/2 oz Mezcal
- 1 oz Fresh Lime Juice
- 1 oz Cointreau
- 1 oz Guajillo Chili Simple Syrup
Instructions
Prepare Guajillo Chili Simple Syrup
- Combine simple syrup ingredients in a small cooking pot on medium heat
- Stir frequently until syrup combines
- Remove from the heat and let cool
Prepare Rim
- Mix Sugar and Chipotle powder, and put on a plate
- Rim your glass with a lime wedge
- Dip in the rim of your glass in the chili sugar
Assemble your Stiffy cocktail
- Mix your cocktail ingredients in a shaker
- Pour the cocktail in your rimmed glass
- Garnish with a lime wedge
- Serve
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