Magic Mushroom Recipe

Make the syrup

Roast the red bell pepper over a gas flame or under a broiler until charred on all sides. Place in a bowl covered with plastic wrap for 10 minutes, then peel, remove seeds and chop finely. In a small saucepan combine chopped pepper, 0.5 cup sugar and 0.5 cup water. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and stir until sugar dissolves. Reduce heat and simmer gently for 5 minutes to meld flavors. Remove from heat and let cool. Strain through a fine-mesh sieve, pressing solids to extract liquid. Chill. Yields roughly 6–8 tablespoons (use 0.5 oz per cocktail).

Infuse the agave

Combine 0.5 cup agave nectar and 1 tsp dried ashwagandha root or powder in a small jar. Warm gently in a double boiler or in a pot of hot water for 10 minutes (do not boil) to help the root meld into the agave. Let cool, then steep for at least 2 hours or up to 24 hours for stronger flavor. Strain through a fine sieve or coffee filter to remove solids. Store refrigerated for up to 7 days. Use 0.5 oz per cocktail.

Press cucumber

If you haven't already, juice a peeled English cucumber using a juicer or blender. If using a blender, blend cucumber until smooth then strain through a fine sieve or cheesecloth, pressing to extract about 1 oz of juice per cocktail.

Combine ingredients

In a cocktail shaker add: 2 oz tequila, 0.5 oz génépy, 1 oz fresh cucumber juice, 0.5 oz sweet red pepper syrup, 0.5 oz ashwagandha-infused agave, and 0.75 oz fresh lemon juice.

Dry shake

Dry shake (no ice) vigorously for 10–15 seconds to help incorporate the agave and emulsify the cucumber juice for a silkier texture.

Wet shake

Add a cup of ice to the shaker and shake vigorously for 12–15 seconds until well-chilled and slightly diluted.

Strain and serve

Double strain the cocktail through a fine mesh into a chilled coupe or over a large ice cube in a rocks glass to remove any remaining pulp and pepper solids.

Garnish

Thread a thin cucumber ribbon and a small roasted sweet pepper strip on the rim or float them together on the surface. Express a lemon twist over the drink and drop it in.

Notes

Taste and adjust: if you prefer it sweeter, add another 0.25 oz infused agave; for more herbal lift, increase génépy by 0.25 oz. The ashwagandha infusion adds earthy, slightly bitter notes—adjust to your preference.