Fortaleza Recipe

Time8m
Serves1

Make Fortaleza Recipe in just 8m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.

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Ingredients

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Cocktail

Method

Cocktail

1

Chill glass

Place a rocks glass in the freezer or fill it with ice and cold water while you prepare the cocktail so the glass is chilled when pouring.

2

Measure and add spirits

In a cocktail shaker or mixing glass, add 2 oz reposado tequila and 0.5 oz mezcal. The reposado provides a rounded agave backbone while the mezcal adds a gentle smoky note.

3

Add modifiers

Add 0.75 oz fresh lime juice, 0.5 oz agave syrup, 0.25 oz yellow Chartreuse, and 2 dashes of orange bitters to the mixing vessel. The Chartreuse brings herbal complexity and the agave syrup balances acidity.

4

Add ice and stir or shake

If you prefer a slightly silky, diluted texture: add plenty of ice to the mixing glass and stir for 20–30 seconds until well chilled (about 15–20 rotations). If you prefer a brighter, more aerated profile: add ice to a shaker and shake vigorously for 10–12 seconds.

5

Prepare glass

Discard the chilling ice/water from the rocks glass. Place one large clear ice cube into the chilled rocks glass.

6

Strain

Double-strain (if shaken) or fine-strain (if stirred) the cocktail into the prepared rocks glass over the large ice cube, ensuring a clean, bright pour without shards.

7

Express and garnish

Take the orange peel and hold it skin-side down above the glass. Give it a firm squeeze to express oils across the drink, then run the peel around the rim for added aroma and drop it into the glass as garnish.

8

Serve

Serve immediately. Encourage the drinker to sip slowly so the interplay of tequila, mezcal smoke, herbal Chartreuse and citrus can evolve as the ice melts.