A shot of bad whiskey might be just the ticket to toast this intriguing discovery, and certainly something Jesse James likely swilled a time or two on his travels. But you know we like to keep it classy around these parts, and I’ve got something special in mind. All that Mexican gold has me hankering for some juice of the agave plant, and this drink from cocktail consultant, author, and bar coordinator Shannon Mustipher delivers. It’s not a margarita, though; no, this drink pays homage to the Manhattan, although you might not recognize it. In place the traditional whiskey, there is a mix of reposado tequila and funky Jamaican rhum agricole.  And in place of the traditional sweet vermouth we find the bold and potent dark Italian amaro Cynar.

Mustipher, the author of TIKI: Modern Tropical Cocktails, knows a lot about rum, and rhum agricole, the sugar cane juice rum from the French Caribbean islands known for its grassy, funky profile. She pairs this with the moderately aged tequila, and balances those base spirits with the unique artichoke amaro Cynar, using the higher proof formulation to stand up to the other spirits. Lime cordial is an excellent way to add a citrus pop and sweetness together, and a little barspoon is just enough here to marry the flavors. This drink is so good, it ought to be illegal. Cheers!

Outlaw by Shannon Mustipher

1 ½ oz Cynar 70

1 oz tequila reposado

½ oz rhum agricole blanc

1 barspoon lime cordial

Stir ingredients with ice and strain into a favorite glass. Garnish with an orange peel.

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