Mezcal is an oft-misunderstood class of spirits here in the U.S.
Like Tequila it is made from the Agave plant, though it does not have to come from within the Tequila appellation. In the minds of many American consumers, Mezcal is, by definition, not as high quality a spirit as Tequila. We beg to differ.
Perhaps the finest mezcals we've come across are from our friend Ron Cooper at Del Maguey. The quality and diversity of Ron's many small Mezcals will blow your mind. One particularly interesting type of Mezcal is called "Crema de Mezcal." It's got just a touch of sweetness to it and it's unlike any other agave based spirit. It features prominently in one of the new cocktails on our list.
The Brushfire: Mescal, Tequila, Crema de Mezcal, Honeydew Melon-Vinegar Syrup (Shrub), Grapefruit and Hibiscus Tea.
This cocktail embodies the things we love most about great Mezcal’s subtle, roasted smoky flavors. We combine it with earthy lowlands Tequila, the tangy sweetness of Honeydew Melon and Grapefruit then float a bit of tart Hibiscus tea on top for a striking contrast of color and flavor. Try it from the bottom for a bit of smoky sweetness, then from the top for a refreshing floral note. In the end you may decide to mix the two, spreading the fire in a whole new direction.
On Friday, at The Cocktail Bar at Catherine Lombardi, we will serve The Brushfire for just $8. We will pass light hors d'oeuvres from 6:30 - 9 PM. The most tasteful cocktail enthusiasts of The Garden State will be in attendance, as is their custom. We hope to see you there.
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