It is only fitting that I play my first round of cocktail dice on December 31, 2018. We found this cute bar accessory in Los Gatos, California where Mark and I spent one very memorable afternoon. My Christmas gift this year was a flight to San Jose for one day. Why? To get me to Gold Medallion status on Delta! But, the trip grand finale was a 10-course dinner at David Kinch’s 3-Michelin star restaurant Manresa. The millennials are definitely onto something with this experience over material gifts.
With tonight’s dice, I create a play on the Last of the Oaxacans cocktail recipe which happens to be a remake of the Last Word cocktail. We’ll call it the Last of 2018. I love the smoky taste of mezcal so I am using that in place of tequila for my roll. Instead of a cherry, I choose Luxardo Maraschino liquor. For bitters, I use Native Floral from my Strongwater herbal bitter sampler. For my wild card, I’ll add Chartreuse. Chartreuse is a French liqueur made by Carthusian Monks since 1737 aged with 130 herbs, plants and flowers. The basil will add a nice botanical twist to the drink.
Last of 2018 Cocktail Recipe
- ¾ ounce mezcal
- ¾ ounce Chartreuse
- ½ ounce Luxardo Maraschino
- ½ ounce fresh lime juice
- 2 drops of bitters (we used Navive Floral from Strongwater)
- Basil (make sure to smack basil between hands before putting it into shaker)
- Shake on ice and serve in martini or coupe glass
- Garnish with tiny basil leaves or a cherry
Happy, safe drinking and a Happy New Year
Can’t wait to try this one!!!!