La Margarita Esotérica

I feel like a hypocrite. In my profile of Ilegal Mezcal I provided a cocktail recipe right after explaining how this sophisticated Mexican spirit, like a fine Scotch, should be enjoyed neat. And now I’m here with another, La Margarita Esotérica. If you’ve been following 500 Tasty Sandwiches for a while you know that I urge curious cooks and eaters (and drinkers) to regularly try new techniques and ingredients as the gastronomic rewards usually far outweigh the gastrointestinal risks. Unshackle yourself from the cultural filters holding you back from a world of wonderful flavors.

Let me put it another way: La Margarita Esotérica contains exotic, smoky flavors evocative of clandestine santería ceremonies and speakeasy tiki lounges. If David Lynch made a movie about Mexican pirates sailing the South Pacific I’m pretty sure this would be their signature cocktail.

Falernum, a cordial syrup with almond, ginger, lime and other flavors is an esoteric bar ingredient if there ever was one. John D. Taylor’s Velvet Falernum contains alcohol which tempers the sweetness. If you invest in a bottle (at around $17 it’s not too expensive) you can also try my recipe for the Velvet Mojito.

Let’s get mixing…

• 1 oz Velvet Falernum
• 1/2 oz Freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1/2 oz Freshly squeezed lime juice
• 2 oz Mezcal (joven)

Combine ingredients with ice in a cocktail shaker and give it a go. Both falernum and mezcal are clear so either A) strain the drink into a coupe (my favorite glassware for margaritas) and garnish with citrus peel or B) pour the drink into a colored glassware or a small tiki glass.

And speaking of mixing, I’ve put together a little mixed-tape to compliment this new drink…you’re welcome.

The Old Boat - Eden Ahbez
The Pink Room - David Lynch
Singing Winds, Crying Beasts – Santana
Play With Fire – Cobra Verde
Strange Love – Slim Harpo
Paris, Texas – Ry Cooder
Changed Your Mind – Chris Isaak
Jellyfish - Kenny Sasaki & The Tiki Boys
Postcard Blues – Cowboy Junkies
Goodbye (with Soap & Skin) – Apparat
Makaha - The Tikiyaki Orchestra
Pop Me a Pill – Hula
Yesterdays (Junior Boys Remix) – Billy Holiday
Love – Soulsavers
Misirlou - Martin Denny
My Angel Rocks Back and Forth – Four Tet