Closing Argument Cocktail Recipe

The Closing Argument is a cocktail that seems to have emerged from the craft cocktail movement, where bartenders enjoy experimenting with bold flavors and spirits. It's a drink that would likely appeal to those who appreciate a smoky, herbal kick in their glass.

• The mezcal base provides a smoky undertone that is characteristic of many modern cocktails.
• Green Chartreuse brings a complex herbal sweetness, a nod to the long history of monastic liqueurs.
• The addition of Luxardo Maraschino Liqueur gives a hint of cherry and almond, rounding out the drink's profile.

The Closing Argument is a symphony of complexity. It's smoky from the mezcal, herbal and slightly sweet from the Green Chartreuse, with a nutty cherry undertone from the Luxardo Maraschino. The lime juice adds a necessary tang, balancing the cocktail with a refreshing acidity.

• Mezcal is often made from the heart of the agave plant, called the piña, and is traditionally smoked over wood fires.
• Green Chartreuse is one of the few liqueurs that have a naturally green color, which comes from the 130 herbs and plants used in its recipe.
• Luxardo Maraschino Liqueur is made from Marasca cherries, a sour cherry variety from the Dalmatian coast.

1. Add 2.25 oz of mezcal, 0.75 oz of Green Chartreuse, 0.75 oz of Luxardo Maraschino Liqueur, and 0.75 oz of lime juice into a shaker.
2. Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds.
3. Fine strain the mixture into a chilled Coupe glass.
4. Garnish with a lime twist, expressing the oils over the drink before placing it.

• Always use fresh lime juice for the best flavor.
• Chill the Coupe glass before serving to keep the cocktail cold.
• When garnishing with the lime twist, make sure to twist it over the drink to release the essential oils.

Food Pairings

• Grilled seafood: The smoky flavor of mezcal pairs beautifully with grilled fish or shrimp, echoing the charred notes.
• Citrus-based Dishes: The bright acidity of lime juice in the cocktail complements citrusy salads or ceviches.
• Dark Chocolate: A piece of dark chocolate can provide an enjoyable counterbalance to the herbal notes from the Green Chartreuse.

Drink Pairings

• Sparkling Water: To cleanse the palate between sips of the cocktail.
• Mexican Lager: A light beer can be a refreshing follow to the rich and complex flavors of the Closing Argument.
• Aged Tequila: For those interested in exploring more agave spirit expressions alongside their cocktail.

• Mezcal: If you can't find Medre Mezcal, any good quality mezcal will do. Del Maguey Vida is a suitable alternative.
• Green Chartreuse: There's no true substitute for its unique flavor, but Yellow Chartreuse can be used for a milder taste.
• Luxardo Maraschino: Maraschino liqueurs from other brands like Maraska can be used, though the flavor profile may slightly differ.

Smoky Orchard

• Swap out mezcal for apple-infused mezcal: This gives an autumnal, fruity twist.
• Add a dash of cinnamon syrup: To complement the apple infusion and add a warming note.
• Recipe: Use the same proportions, add 0.25 oz cinnamon syrup. Shake all ingredients, strain and serve with an apple slice.

Herbal Remedy

• Replace Green Chartreuse with a mix of fresh basil and mint syrup: For a fresher, more garden-based herbal profile.
• Recipe: Muddle fresh basil leaves with 0.25 oz mint syrup, add remaining ingredients, shake, double strain, and serve with a basil leaf garnish.

Cherry Limeade

• Replace Luxardo Maraschino Liqueur with cherry syrup: Swapping in cherry syrup offers a sweeter, cherry-forward take on the drink.
• Use lime cordial in place of lime juice for a less acidic zing.
• Recipe: Use 0.75 oz cherry syrup, 0.5 oz lime cordial in place of the maraschino and lime juice, then proceed as normal.