Mexican Contessa

Mexican Contessa is a beautifully sophisticated, lighter agave variation on the Negroni template that trades intense red bitters for subtle, orange-scented aromatics. Stirred to a velvety chill with equal parts smoky mezcal, crisp dry vermouth, and a bright aperitivo liqueur, this balanced sipper is strained into a rocks glass over a large ice cube and garnished with a fresh orange twist.

Ingredients:

• 15 ml Del Maguey Vida Clásico Mezcal

• 15 ml Patrón Silver blanco tequila

• 30 ml Aperitivo Luxardo (Aperol-style liqueur)

• 30 ml Strucchi Dry Vermouth

• 1 dash of Orange Bitters by Angostura

Instructions:

• Select and pre-chill an old-fashioned glass.

• Prepare a garnish of an orange slice wheel.

• Stir all ingredients with ice.

• Strain into an ice-filled glass (preferably over a large cube or chunk of block ice).

• Garnish with an orange slice.

Attribution:
Recipe: Simon Difford
Origin: Difford’s Guide
Photo: Difford’s Guide