The last time I was in Chicago, I made haste to the Violet Hour for the best stiff drink in town. I love great cocktails (who doesn't?) and whenever I go to a fancy pants cocktail bar, I always go with "bartender's choice" just to see what they have up their sleeve. This time it was the ultimate summer drink. I named it the smokey south side because that's essentially what it is, a south side with a big dose of BBQ. Homemade smokey bitters and mescal add a seductive, masculine layer to this otherwise light and refreshing drink.
1 oz agave nectar
1 oz lime
2 dashes smokey bitters (I used a homemade one, but there are some lovely ones at Only Bitters here: http://www.onlybitters.com/search.php?search_query=smoke&x=0&y=0)
3 slices cucumbers, 1/4 inch thick
2 sprigs mint
soda water (optional)
Muddle one sprig of mint with the lime juice, bitters, and simple syrup in the bottom of a bar glass. Add mescal and shake well. Pour into a goblet over crushed ice and stir until the outer-glass frosts. Top with soda water, garnish with remaining sprig of mint, burn the mint leaf with a lighter or match, and serve. Add soda water for a lighter drink.
Smokey South Side Cocktail
2 oz mescal1 oz agave nectar
1 oz lime
2 dashes smokey bitters (I used a homemade one, but there are some lovely ones at Only Bitters here: http://www.onlybitters.com/search.php?search_query=smoke&x=0&y=0)
3 slices cucumbers, 1/4 inch thick
2 sprigs mint
soda water (optional)
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