Sangre y Arena

¾ oz Mezcal, Mezcales de Leyenda Tlacuache
¾ oz Cherry Liqueur, Leopold Bros Michigan Tart Cherry^†
¾ oz Sweet vermouth, Dolin
¾ oz Blood orange juice
2 ds bitters, Bittermens Xocolatl Mole
Orange and cherry garnish

Shake, double-strain, up, garnish.

Tart, sweet and smokey. This drink is, of course, a variation on the classic Blood and Sand, with Mezcal taking the place of the original Scotch and an addition of bitters for further depth. The original recipe does not call for particular expressions, so feel free to use your favourites.

^† You can certainly get away with using Cherry Heering here, but know that the Leopold Bros Michigan Tart Cherry Liqueur is truly in a class of its own. We’re not quite sure what sorcery goes on in their Denver distillery, but the end result is positively gorgeous.