Last of the Oaxacans

A smoky and spicy variation on the classic Last Word cocktail. It substitutes gin with savory mezcal and includes a slice of serrano pepper. The recipe is credited to Nick Caruana, a drinks writer and author of "The Straight Up," a blog dedicated to classic cocktails.

Ingredients:

  • 3/4 ounce mezcal

  • 3/4 ounce freshly squeezed lime juice, from 1 to 2 whole limes

  • 3/4 ounce Luxardo Maraschino

  • 3/4 ounce Green Chartreuse

  • 1 half-centimeter slice serrano pepper (see note)

  • Garnish: serrano pepper slice

Instructions:

  • Add mezcal, lime juice, maraschino, Chartreuse, and serrano pepper to a cocktail shaker. Fill 2/3 full with ice and shake vigorously until the outside of the shaker begins to frost, about 20 seconds.

  • Double strain into a chilled cocktail glass, garnish with an additional pepper slice, and serve.

Attributions:

Recipe: Nick Caruana, Washington, DC

Origin: seriouseats.com

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