El Derby Ahumado

Inspired by a classic julep, the "El Derby Ahumado" is a drink as drinkable as it is unique. This smoky derby combines mezcal's campfire aroma with fresh muddled cucumber, jalapeño, and basil, resulting in a perfectly balanced blend of cooling refreshment, spicy kick, and earthy notes. It's a deliciously atypical concoction that's well worth the change from the norm.

Ingredients:

• 1 (1/2-inch) round peeled cucumber (about 3/4 ounce; 20 g), plus 1 cucumber stick for garnish

• 1 thin slice jalapeño pepper, with seeds (the size of this round of jalapeño will determine the spiciness of the drink)

• 6 fresh basil leaves, plus a large tuft of basil sprigs

• 2 teaspoons (10 ml) agave syrup

• 2 1/2 ounces (75 ml) mezcal

• Crushed or shaved ice

Instructions:

• In a julep cup or large rocks glass, muddle the cucumber rounds and jalapeño until they are well crushed and juices are expressed. Add basil leaves and agave syrup and muddle until basil is lightly bruised, then swab the glass's sides with the basil's aromatic oils. Add mezcal and stir well. Half-fill the glass with crushed ice and stir to combine. Fill the glass with crushed ice and stir until the outside of the glass frosts. Add more crushed ice, heaping generously, then garnish with sprigs of fresh basil and a cucumber stick. Serve, adding a short straw if desired so that the fragrance of the basil bouquet will greet the drinker with each sip.

Attributions:

Recipe: Daniel Gritzer, New York, NY

Origin: Serious Eats

Photo: Vicky Wasik, Serious Eats