True Romance

True Romance by Carey Jenkins

Not surprisingly, there are too many Valentine’s Day cocktail “love potions” in the air for Cupid to pierce with his many arrows. When searching for one to feature, I am naturally drawn to the bittersweet over syrupy sweet. It’s just my palate. True romance needs a touch of desperate hopelessness to make it more poignant. All the best romance stories are sad, after all. This one, named after the Christian Slater and Patricia Arquette action movie from 1993, comes from Carey Jenkins, and is featured in Death & Company’s Welcome Home, 2021. It doesn’t hurt that it’s a mezcal Negroni, which is clearly the best variation on that theme and my own personal favorite type of cocktail.

isn’t it romantic?

Jenkin’s cocktail calls for Ancho Reyes, a well known chile liqueur which is featured in so many drinks that I’m always wondering why I haven’t purchased a bottle of it yet. I was determined to make this drink, this time, and did what I often do when I realize I am just not going to buy another bottle of specialty liqueur – I made it myself. There are a few guides out there which deconstruct the process for this particular brand, and it’s extremely easy. Now I have an incredibly delicious bottle of chile liqueur that only cost me a few dollars. I think I’m in love. Cheers!

Love is in the pair …

True Romance by Carey Jenkins

¾ oz reposado tequila

¾ oz mezcal

½ oz Cynar

½ oz Punt e Mes

½ oz Ancho Reyes Chile liqueur

2 dashes celery bitters

Stir ingredients with ice and strain into a favorite glass over a large cube. Half orange wheel garnish.

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