Dragon Punch

Dragon Punch by Robert Weeks

There aren’t many great dragon-themed, “treasure under the mountain”, Nordic quest cocktails that exist. Which isn’t to say that many such themed cocktails haven’t been made, just that I haven’t designated them as great. The Treasure Chest cocktail was one that made the list in the past, and I have also resorted to creating drinks that suit the need on occasion. But I found a perfect modern classic to compliment this timeless ancient tale, to add to the great list. Fafnir (and Sigurd) deserve a bit of greatness.

how to tame your dragon

Created by Robert Weeks, general manager at the Coldroom in Montreal, Canada, the Dragon Punch is actually a single serve cocktail rather than a large scale punch. The punch refers to the wallop it gives you from the one-two mezcal-tabasco combo. Weeks envisioned his drink as a smoky, spicy, herbal, “punchy” Mai Tai variation. To me it reads like a Last Word variant as well, but the almond syrup (orgeat) definitely give it that tropical vibe. Tabasco as a cocktail ingredient is highly effective at delivering a dose of heat, but Weeks comments that he loves the vinegar flavor for his cocktails as well. “Tabasco is essentially a cayenne pepper shrub which is why it’s so good in drinks”. I used a chile pepper tincture but the idea is the same. You won’t be breathing fire exactly, but it gives a nice kick to an already tasty drink. Here’s to adventure! Cheers.

this pair packs a punch

Dragon Punch by Robert Weeks

1 ½ oz mezcal (Del Maguey Vida Clasico)

½ oz yellow Chartreuse

1 oz lime

½ oz orgeat

2 dashes Tabasco

Shake ingredients together with ice and strain into a coupe. Cucumber roll garnish.

explore more: