The Cocktail Formally Known As... Recipe

Cocktail

1. 1

   Prepare glass

   Select a rocks glass (old-fashioned). If you prefer a chilled glass, place it in the freezer for 5–10 minutes or fill with ice water while you prepare the cocktail; discard the water before pouring.

2. 2

   Juice lemon

   Cut a fresh lemon in half and squeeze until you have 0.75 oz (about 1/2 to 3/4 of a lemon). Strain seeds and pulp through a fine mesh if desired for a cleaner texture.

3. 3

   Combine ingredients

   In a cocktail shaker, add 2 oz reposado tequila, 0.75 oz Mur (or the suggested substitute), 0.75 oz fresh lemon juice, and 0.25 oz simple syrup.

4. 4

   Add ice and shake

   Fill the shaker with ice (enough to fill roughly 3/4 of the shaker). Secure the lid and shake vigorously for 10–15 seconds until the exterior of the shaker is cold and a slight frost forms.

5. 5

   Prepare serving glass with ice

   Fill the chilled rocks glass with fresh cubed ice (or place a single large ice cube if you prefer slower dilution).

6. 6

   Strain and pour

   Double-strain the shaken cocktail into the prepared rocks glass over the ice to remove small ice shards and any remaining pulp, using a Hawthorne and a fine mesh strainer if available.

7. 7

   Garnish and finish

   Float or place a lemon wheel on the rim or surface of the cocktail. Optionally express a lemon peel over the drink to release oils and rub the peel on the glass rim before dropping it in.

8. 8

   Serve

   Serve immediately with a short cocktail spoon or straw. Recommend tasting and adjusting: add another 0.25 oz simple syrup if you prefer sweeter, or a splash more lemon if you prefer brighter acidity.