The Art of Balance in Cocktails: Exploring the Zapatero
In the world of mixology, the harmony of flavors is an art form, and the Zapatero cocktail is a masterpiece that exemplifies this. Created by California bartender Jeremy Lake, this drink is a nuanced variation of the Old Fashioned, where the traditional single spirit base is replaced with a bold combination of mezcal and bourbon.
The Essence of Zapatero
At the heart of the Zapatero lies El Silencio mezcal, chosen for its perfect blend of minerality, smoke, and earthiness. This mezcal, crafted by a ninth-generation mezcalero, brings an authentic and earthy smoke flavor to the cocktail. Complementing the mezcal is Booker’s Bourbon, adding familiar notes of caramel, vanilla, oak, and spices. This combination creates a cocktail with depth and complexity, a dance of smoky and sweet flavors.
Zapatero Cocktail
Rate this Recipe
Ingredients - What's in it?
- 1 1/2 ounces Mezcal - El Silencio
- 1/2 ounce Bourbon Whiskey
- 2 teaspoons Orgeat Syrup
- 1 dash Bitters
- 1 dash Chocolate bitters
Garnish
- Cinnamon - freshly grated
- Cranberry
- Orange twist
Instructions - How to make it:
- Combine mezcal, bourbon, orgeat, and both bitters in a mixing glass with ice.
- Stir until well-chilled.
- Strain into an Old Fashioned glass over fresh ice.
- Garnish with freshly grated cinnamon, cranberry, and an orange twist.
Nutrition
Orgeat: The Sweet Differentiator
Instead of the usual simple syrup, the Zapatero uses orgeat, a rich syrup traditionally made from almonds and orange flower water. This choice adds a nutty sweetness and a unique texture to the cocktail. While there are several bottled orgeat syrups available, making your own can add a personal touch to the drink. Experimenting with different nuts like hazelnuts or pistachios can lead to exciting variations.
A Symphony of Bitters
The cocktail is rounded off with a dash of Angostura and Aztec chocolate bitters. These bitters provide a balanced structure and add depth to the flavor profile, enhancing the overall experience of the drink.
Approach and Tips:
- Approach: The Zapatero is about creating a harmonious blend of the smoky mezcal and the rich bourbon, with the orgeat adding a sweet, nutty layer.
- Tips:
- Mezcal Selection: While El Silencio is recommended, other quality mezcals like Banhez or Del Maguey Vida can also be used.
- Bourbon Flexibility: Feel free to substitute Booker’s Bourbon with another high-quality bourbon like Knob Creek for a similar flavor profile.
- Orgeat Variations: Homemade orgeat can be tailored with different nuts, offering a unique twist to each batch.