Ingredients
- 1 oz Mezcal
- ¾ oz Aperol
- ¾ oz Maraschino Liqueur
- ¾ oz Fresh Lime Juice
- Maraschino Cherry - for garnish, optional
Equipment
- Cocktail Shaker
- Strainer & Fine-strainer
- Coupe Glass
- Measuring Jigger
Instructions
- Chill your coupe glass with some ice cubes.
- Pour in a shaker ¾ oz Fresh Lime Juice.
- Add ¾ oz Maraschino Liqueur.
- Measure and pour ¾ oz Aperol.
- Finish with 1 oz Mezcal.
- Fill your cocktail shaker with ice.
- Shake vigorously until well chilled.
- Fine strain the mixture into a coupe glass.
- Garnish with a maraschino cherry.
Notes
Substitutes:
- Mezcal: If you don't have Mezcal on hand, you can use tequila as a substitute. It won't have the same smoky flavor, but it will still work well in this cocktail.
- Aperol: Campari is a good alternative if you don't have Aperol. It's more bitter than Aperol, so you might want to add some extra St-Germain or lime juice to balance it.
- Maraschino Liqueur: If you can't find Maraschino Liqueur, use another cherry liqueur or make a simple syrup infused with cherry essence.
Making a Pitcher of Division Bell Cocktail:
- Scale: To make a pitcher that serves 8, multiply all the ingredients by 8. That would be 8 oz of Mezcal, 6 oz of Aperol, 6 oz of Maraschino Liqueur, and 6 oz of lime juice.
- Mix: Combine all the ingredients in a large pitcher with ice and stir well.
- Serve: Strain the mixture into individual chilled coupe glasses, garnish with a maraschino cherry, and serve immediately.
Making it Non-Alcoholic:
- Mezcal Substitute: Use a non-alcoholic spirit that has a smoky flavor. Several brands on the market make non-alcoholic spirits with complex flavors.
- Aperol Substitute: Make a simple syrup infused with orange peel, gentian root, bitter rhubarb, and a touch of grapefruit juice to mimic the bitter orange flavor of Aperol.
- Maraschino Liqueur: Use a cherry cordial or syrup instead of Maraschino. You can find non-alcoholic versions in most grocery stores.
- Proceed As Usual: Use these non-alcoholic substitutes instead of the regular ingredients, follow the original steps, and enjoy a non-alcoholic version.
Making it Vegan:
Aperol does not contain any ingredient of animal origin but a small quantity of gelatine may be used in the purification process, so unfortunately the product is not suitable for those following a strict vegan lifestyle. Some other brands of alcohol use animal products in their production process, so check the labels or do some research online to make sure your ingredients are vegan. Ensure your maraschino cherries are not processed with animal products for the garnish.
What is a Division Bell Cocktail?
A Division Bell Cocktail is a mezcal-based cocktail made of Aperol, Maraschino liqueur, mezcal and lime juice. This drink is relatively easy to prepare as it only requires the essential skill of mixing ingredients in appropriate proportions. The cocktail is an interesting variant of the Last Word cocktail; however, this version uses mezcal and Aperol instead of gin and green Chartreuse used in the original recipe. One unique aspect of this cocktail that sets it apart from others is its balanced flavor profile. While Maraschino liqueur adds sweetness to the mix, Aperol introduces a hint of bitterness, which results in a refreshing yet complex taste experience.
What is a Division Bell Cocktail made of – The ingredients
Create a Division Bell Cocktail at home using our simple step-by-step instructions:
- Mezcal: This smoky agave-based spirit adds depth and complexity to the cocktail.
- Aperol: An Italian aperitif that brings a bitter-sweet flavor, enhancing the overall taste.
- Maraschino liqueur: A cherry liqueur that delivers complexity and a fruity sweetness to the mixture.
- Lime Juice: Adds acidity and brightness, balancing out the sweetness of other ingredients.