Let the Illegal Cocktail recipe be your go-to for lively gatherings, a drink that blends the punch of mezcal with the coolness of mint.
Prep time:
1 minute
Mixing time:
1 minute
Servings:
1
Calories:
230
Ingredients
- 30 ml Espadin Mezcal
- 15 ml Jamaica Overproof White Rum
- 15 ml Falernum
- 5 ml Maraschino Luxardo
- 22,5 ml fresh lime juice
- 15 ml simple syrup
- Few drops of egg white - Optional
Equipment
- Shaker
- Cocktail Glass or Traditional Clay/Terracotta Mug
- Strainer and fine-strainer
Instructions
- Chill Glass: Fill your cocktail glass or mug with ice cubes to chill.
- Combine Ingredients: Pour a few drops of egg white, 5 ml Maraschino Luxardo, 15 ml simple syrup, 22,5 ml fresh lime juice, 15 ml Falernum, 15 ml Jamaica Overproof White Rum, and 30 ml Espadin Mezcal into the shaker.
- Shake: Fill the shaker with ice cubes and shake the mixture vigorously.
- Strain: Fine strain in your chilled glass and serve.
Notes
Substitutes:
- Mezcal: If mezcal isn't available, I sometimes use tequila for a similar flavor profile.
- Jamaica Overproof White Rum: A high-proof clear rum can work if you don't have the Jamaican variety. It changes the taste slightly but keeps the kick.
- Falernum: No falernum? I make a quick substitute with almond syrup, ginger, lime zest, and cloves.
- Maraschino Luxardo: In a pinch, I've used cherry syrup or even a bit of cherry brandy.
- Egg White: For a vegan option or if you're out of eggs, a few drops of aquafaba (chickpea brine) do the trick for that frothy texture.
Making a Pitcher of Illegal Cocktail:
- Scale: To make a pitcher for 8 people, multiply the ingredients by 8.
- Mix: Combine the scaled ingredients in a large pitcher.
- Chill: Refrigerate until ready to serve.
- Serve: Pour into individual glasses "on the rocks" or serve straight up, as desired.
Making it Non-Alcoholic:
- Mezcal Substitute: Use a non-alcoholic smoky flavor syrup or a smoky tea as a base.
- Rum Substitute: A non-alcoholic spirit or a rum-flavored syrup can replace the overproof rum.
- Maraschino Liqueur: you can easily swap the Maraschino for a cherry syrup.
- Proceed As Usual: Follow the original recipe steps using these non-alcoholic substitutes.
Making it Vegan:
- Egg White Substitute: Use aquafaba instead of egg white to maintain the cocktail's texture without using animal products.
What is an Illegal Cocktail?
An Illegal Cocktail is a mix that combines mezcal with overproof rum, maraschino, and lime. Enthusiasts might say the “Illegal” in its name reflects its daring departure from classic cocktail recipes, offering a modern twist that’s as intriguing as its moniker. You don’t need expert skills to appreciate the complex flavors of this cocktail; its recipe is straightforward, making it a sophisticated yet accessible choice for any occasion. This inventive blend has also been recognized for its unique appeal, being listed as an official cocktail by the International Bartenders Association (IBA).
What is an Illegal Cocktail made of – The ingredients
The recipe for an Illegal Cocktail comprises the following ingredients:
- Espadin Mezcal: Provides a smoky base to the cocktail.
- Jamaica Overproof White Rum: Adds a strong, potent kick to the mix.
- Falernum: Infuses a sweet and spicy flavor, often with hints of almond, ginger, and lime.
- Maraschino Luxardo: Offers a rich cherry sweetness to balance the stronger spirits.
- Fresh Lime Juice: Contributes a fresh, citrus tang that cuts through the sweetness.
- Simple Syrup: Gives a touch of sweetness to harmonize the flavors.
- Egg White (optional): Creates a silky texture and frothy top when shaken.
