Friday Cocktail: The McQueen

My Mezcal cocktail kick continues. Not content with one smoky spirit in this drink, John McCarthy of the now defunct New York cocktail spot Mary Queen of Scots also uses the incredibly smoky Ardbeg 10 year to rinse the glass. Yet, the sweeter Speyside single malt and agave syrup keep the smoke in check and make this a very drinkable cocktail. Though the McQueen isn't for everyone, anyone that isn't scared of smoky spirits will love it. 

The McQueen 

(aka the "Smoky Smoke Smoke")

John McCarthy, Mary Queen of Scots (New York, NY)

Ingredients

- 1 oz. Mezcal (Del Maguey Vida)

- 1 oz. Speyside Scotch (Balvenie 14 year Carribean Cask)

- .5 oz. Dark Agave Syrup*

- 1 dash Orange Bitters

- 1 dash Bittermens Xocolatl Mole Bitters

- Ardbeg 10 year Scotch to rinse

- Grapefruit twist to garnish 

Stir mezcal, Scotch, agave syrup, and bitters in a mixing glass with ice. Mist or rinse coupe glass with Ardbeg 10yr. Strain into misted coupe. Squeeze and flame grapefruit twist.

*To make the agave syrup, mix equal parts dark agave nectar and warm water in a squeeze bottle. Shake to combine.