Agave's presence on bar menus is expanding as mixologists experiment with traditional cocktail recipes, infusing them with a modern twist. Here are five unique recipes from London's expert bartenders that showcase the versatility of agave spirits:
NIGHTINGALE - Swift Shoreditch bar
For a unique twist on a martini, Hiddleston uses reposado tequila and blanco vermouth to create a balanced and flavorful cocktail with a hint of sweetness.
Ingredients:
- 40ml Tapatio Reposado tequila
- 25ml Reus blanco vermouth
- 5ml simple syrup
- 5ml Nardini Mandorola liqueur
- 2 dashes of Orange Bitters
Method: Mix all ingredients in a glass, stir thoroughly, and strain over a chilled martini glass. Garnish with an olive.
MEZCAL NEGRONI - Hacha Brixton
Bar manager Ben Guillou swaps out the traditional gin in a Negroni for mezcal, creating a smoky and refreshing cocktail.
Ingredients:
- 1 part The Lost Explorer Mezcal
- 1 part Campari
- 1 part Vermouth Bianco
Method: Pour all ingredients over ice, stir thoroughly, and strain over a glass with ice.
MEZCAL ESPRESSO MARTINI - El Bar de Cavita
Chef patron Adriana Cavita's Espresso Martini features coffee mezcal for a complex and aromatic twist on the classic vodka cocktail.
Ingredients:
- 40ml Faie Quinoa vodka
- 25ml Ojo DeDios Café mezcal
- 50 ml espresso
- 15ml sugar
Method: Combine all ingredients in a shaker, shake vigorously, double strain into a martini glass, dust with cinnamon powder, and serve.
TOMATO BAMBOO - Amaro
Soddu's Tomato Bamboo cocktail replaces vermouth with mezcal, adding a smoky and herbal touch to this lower-strength drink.
Ingredients:
- 30ml Los Siete Misterios Doba Yej Mezcal
- 20ml Tio Pepe Fino Sherry
- 10ml 1757 Vermouth di Torino Extra Dry
- 25ml La Tomato liqueur
- 3 drops celery bitters
Method: Stir all ingredients over ice and strain into a chilled coupette with a cherry tomato garnish.
MAESTRO OLD FASHIONED - Mezcalito Brompton
Castilla-Tristan's Old Fashioned variation features anejo tequila and cacao liqueur, offering a rich and robust agave-forward flavor profile.
Ingredients:
- 40ml Maestro Dobel Añejo Tequila
- 15ml Créme de Cacao (Giffard)
- 2 dashes of Angostura Bitters
- 2 dashes of Orange Bitters
- Orange Peel & Grated Nutmeg
Method: Mix all ingredients with ice, stir, and strain over ice. Garnish with orange peel and grated nutmeg.
These innovative cocktails demonstrate the diversity and complexity of agave spirits, providing a refreshing and modern take on traditional drinks. Experiment with these recipes at home to elevate your cocktail game and impress your guests.