Plaza Vieja

Plaza Vieja is a deeply complex, spirit-forward nightcap that acts as a sophisticated, agave-laced riff on the classic New Orleans Vieux Carré. Stirred to a velvety chill with equal parts fruity cognac, earthy mezcal, and herbal Amaro Lucano, it is layered with sweet Bénédictine, a dash of aromatic bitters, and a touch of saline, then strained over a large ice cube and garnished with a floating star anise.

Ingredients:

• 30 ml Cognac (brandy)

• 30 ml Del Maguey Vida Clásico Mezcal

• 30 ml Lucano amaro

• 10 ml Bénédictine D.O.M. liqueur

• 1 dash Angostura Aromatic Bitters

• 2 drops of saline solution (20g sea salt to 80g water) or a mere pinch of salt

Instructions:

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

• Prepare a garnish of star anise.

• Stir all ingredients with ice.

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

• Garnish with star anise floated on the surface.

Attribution:
Recipe: Joe Cammarata and Sam Treadway at Backbar, Somerville, MA, USA.
Origin: Difford’s Guide
Photo: Difford’s Guide