Mezcalita - a cocktail by Ted Dako from Bar25 - on of the best cocktail bars in Copenhagen. Photo by Alexander Banck Petersen, photographer for Cocktails of Copenhagen

Mezcalita

If there could be only one

When asked which cocktail to serve if he could serve only one, Ted Dako was quick to answer “Mezcalita”.

Mezcalita is a Mexican twist on his favorite cocktail, the Mai Tai – served with his favorite spirit, Ocho Blanco tequila. Distilled from only the best agave plants (harvested after eight years of maturing) Ocho Blanco is a pure and true product that accentuates the characteristic taste of agave.

Ted Dako had been working on this cocktail for a while before it was launched on the first menu of Bar25

Mezcalita - a cocktail by Ted Dako from Bar25 - on of the best cocktail bars in Copenhagen. Photo by Alexander Banck Petersen, photographer for Cocktails of Copenhagen3 cl Ocho Blanco tequila
2 cl Vida mezcal
3 cl lime juice
3 cl Orgeat syrup

Shake with ice and serve over rock ice in a low ball glass. Garnish with a 4-5 dash float of Angostura Bitter on top and add a sprig of fresh rosemary that you burn just before serving.

As the angostura float blends in with the rest of the drink, the flavor profile changes as you drink it. The burned rosemary sprig works well with the smokiness of the mezcal.

Mezcalita is simple, easy to remember*, can be made in any bar, and it tastes amazing. It has all the qualities of a true classic.

*Ted would have loved the recipe to be equal parts, but in the end balance of aromas was more important than the recipe looking good.

For more on craft cocktails, unique bars and creative bartenders sign up to our monthly newsletter and stay tuned!

Author image
Thomas Klem Andersen
I believe that true mastery eventually leads to original creation given the right conditions. I love creative cocktails that push the limits of flavor pairing. But I can't deny I have a personal preference for whisky and love everything that is clear and stirred.