El Pepe

COCKTAIL INGREDIENTS:
- 30 ml Mezcal
- 15 ml Génépy
- 15 ml Fresh Lemon Juice
- 7,5 ml Simple Syrup
- 2 Basil Leaves
- 1 Thin Slice of Chilli Pepper
(Preferably Fresno pepper)
- 4 Dashes of Angostura Bitters

GARNISH:
- Lemon Twist
- Sprig of Fresh Basil

INSTRUCTIONS:
• Combine all of the ingredients except Angostura bitters in a cocktail shaker.
• Add ice and shake until chilled.
• Double strain over a large piece of ice into a cocktail glass.
• Garnish with a lemon twist and a sprig of basil.

Cocktail author: Shelley Lindgren.

Perhaps simple at first glance, yet very complex cocktail, that is ready to surprise even the seasoned cocktail enthusiast.

Smoky mezcal is the hero of this cocktail, prominent and noticeable from very first sip to the last. Subtle sweet herbal notes of alpine génépy add a lot of complexity, but are rather hidden behind strong flavours of the mezcal. Addition of basil and pepper expands on the flavor profile and combines well with both herbaceous notes of the liqueur and vegetable notes of the base spirit. A touch of lemon juice balanced by the simple syrup brings that fresh kick and helps to bind the ingredients together. At the same time, it lets individual tasting notes pop to the foreground and shine through. Finally, a touch of bitters adds that all important aromatic element to the cocktail rounding it all up.

El Pepe is a cocktail that truly packs a complex flavourful punch and a perfect sipper for a warm summer evening.

Source material:
https://punchdrink.com/recipes/el-pepe/