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Illegal Cocktail Drink

Illegal Cocktail Recipe

Gavin Wrigley Written by Gavin Wrigley
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.