This is another personal creation, born out of a desire to create something that could marry the twin smokiness of whiskey and mezcal, with a good bitter heft from amaro: the intention was to create a late-evening drink to be sipped and savoured, slowly and with reflection as the ice melted. I think I got it pretty well on the first pass. The name means ‘Mexican’ in Japanese, responding to the combination of ingredients.
To make one, stir the following together over ice for a good while (45-60s): you want a little bit of dilution to occur from the off, as this ‘loosens’ the whiskey a touch. I used a really delicate Japanese blend (Togouchi) for this. I imagine if I used something like cask-strength Nika or similar, the drink would be even more potent.
The amaro was chosen as I like the flavour profile of Asterley Bros. Dispense; it’s not as out-and-out bitter as the majority of the Italian versions, it has more of a slow burn of flavour that sneaks up on you as you sip – I thought it would fit better with the mezcal/whiskey combo. Punt e Mes because well, it’s Punt e Mes. No bitters are added as the amaro/vermouth pairing provides this for you.
1oz. Japanese whiskey (Togouchi here for its delicate flavours)
1/2oz. mezcal
1oz. Punt e Mes
1/2 oz. Asterley Bros. Dispense amaro
Once stirred, strain into a rocks or Old Fashioned glass with a large cube of fresh ice. Garnish with a small piece of lemon peel. Sip slowly.
Ice & Bitters 