In Vida Veritas

1 1⁄2 oz Mezcal, Del Maguey Vida
3⁄4 oz Zirbenz Stone Pine Liqueur
3⁄4 oz Walnut Liqueur, Nux Alpina
1⁄2 oz Bénédictine
1 ds Bitters, Fee Brothers Whiskey Barrel Aged
Instructions

Stir ingredients over ice for at least 30 seconds in a mixing glass, strain into a chilled coupe, finish with a spritz of oil from a fresh orange peel; don't drop the peel in.

Cocktail summary
Posted by Casey on
Created by
Misty Kalkofen, Drink, Boston MA
Is an
authentic recipe
Reference

http://www.flickr.com/photos/aphonik/5875514546/

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(14 ratings)
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From other users
  • Would rename this “Holy Smokes”
  • More Mezcal magic from Misty Kalkofen.
  • Time for a visit to Boston Shaker for the correct bitters, I guess.
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Comments
Dan commented on 7/12/2011:

Wow, clash of the titans! I need to try this. Usually I can imagine drinks pretty well in my head, but this one makes my head hurt before I drink it.

One correction to the recipe...it's whiskey barrel bitters. Not Xocatl Mole.

Hmm.. the Flickr link calls for Mole bitters, and the Serious Eats article does as well. Can you provide a link to the cocktail using WBA bitters?

Thanks,

Zachary

bza commented on 9/03/2012:

Zach,

Pretty sure mhibiscus is Misty herself, the all-class Boston bartender who invented the drink, so I'd go with her recipe...

BZA,

Ah, if that's the case, I'll change it - is the amount the same?

Thanks,

Zachary

This is a fantastic cocktail. What's wonderful is how all the elements shine---it's like a controlled forrest fire where the sap of the pines gives off a scent of sweetness. Extraordinary.

bwian commented on 5/27/2016:

Looking at the proportions, I was worried that this would be too sweet, but of course I was wrong to worry, as this is magically delicious. The balance is perfect.

This is a magical combination: the mezcal is somehow in perfect balance with the cedar/pine of the stone pine liqueur and the walnut/hickory/pecan of the Nux Alpina. It is not nearly as sweet as one might expect. The Benedictine (a favorite of mine) is less noticeable, probably mostly a sweetener and mild herbal adjunct here. I accidentally tried the drink first without the bitters, and it was excellent. Then I realized I had poured the whiskey bitters into a different mixing container, so I combined and retried--honestly, the drink was at least as good without any bitters, so don't fret if you don't have the right bitters.