Ingredients:

  • 1 sugar cube
  • 3 dashes Angostura bitters
  • 5 oz Chilled Brut Champagne or Prosecco
  • 1 strip Lemon twist
  • 2 oz Blanco Tequila
  • 1 oz Fresh lime juice
  • 0.75 oz Agave nectar
  • 2 thin slices Fresh Jalapeño
  • 1 tsp Tajín or Sea salt for the rim
  • 1.5 oz Elderflower liqueur
  • 3 oz Prosecco or Soda water
  • 8 Fresh mint leaves
  • 1 wheel Fresh lime or Lemon
  • 1.5 oz Cognac or Vodka
  • 0.75 oz Triple sec or Cherry liqueur
  • 0.5 oz Fresh lemon juice or Cranberry juice

Instructions:

  1. Chill all glassware in the freezer for at least 10 minutes. For rimmed cocktails like the Spicy Margarita, run a lime wedge around the rim and dip into salt or Tajín.
  2. For shaken drinks, place aromatics like mint or jalapeño in the shaker first and muddle gently to release essential oils without releasing bitter chlorophyll.
  3. Add spirits, citrus, and sweeteners to the shaker. Fill 2/3 with ice and shake vigorously for 12-15 seconds until the exterior is frosted.
  4. For sparkling drinks, build directly in the glass by adding heavy syrups and liqueurs first, then topping with chilled bubbles. Use a bar spoon to gently pull ingredients upward.
  5. Double-strain shaken drinks into chilled coupes and express citrus oils from the garnish over the surface before serving.