GuillotineCocktail recipe
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Ingredients
Cocktail Colin says:
The Guillotine cocktail masterfully marries the smoky allure of mezcal with the herbal complexity of Cynar and a crisp touch from dry vermouth, creating a drink that is both intriguingly layered and delightfully minimalist. This three-ingredient marvel is a testament to how thoughtful simplicity can engage the palate with robust smoky warmth, a hint of bitter depth, and a clean, refined finish. It's a cocktail that's all nuance and balance, offering an avant-garde twist on the classic spirit-forward recipes without veering into the realm of overwhelming sweetness or cacophonous complexity.
Method
How to make a Guillotine
- Mezcal 45 ml (Del Maguey Vida recommended), Cynar 30 ml, White vermouth 15 ml (Dry vermouth (Dolin recommended))
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- Combine mezcal, Cynar, and dry vermouth in a mixing glass with ice
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- Stir the mixture until it is properly chilled and diluted
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- Strain the cocktail into a chilled cocktail glass
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Find out more- Use a large ice cube or spherical ice for stirring in the mixing glass. It chills the drink evenly without diluting it too quickly, preserving the balance of flavors between the smoky mezcal and the herbal notes of Cynar.
- Consider using a mezcal that's slightly on the fruity side to enhance the subtle sweetness and balance out the bitterness of the Cynar. Del Maguey Vida is excellent, but feel free to experiment with others, like Alipus San Juan.
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FAQ's
Who created the Guillotine cocktail and what inspired its creation?
The Guillotine cocktail was crafted by Yanni Kehagiaras at his San Francisco cocktail bar, Stoa. Kehagiaras is known for his minimalist approach to mixology, and this cocktail is a shining example of that philosophy. The Guillotine, with its sophisticated blend of mezcal, Cynar, and white vermouth, harks back to traditional cocktail-making methods while integrating a modern, inventive twist. Drawing inspiration from a dry mezcal Manhattan, Kehagiaras sought to create a cocktail with a complex flavor profile that is simultaneously smoky, earthy, and herbal without resorting to added sugars. In a cocktail landscape often dominated by recipes with numerous ingredients, the Guillotine stands as a testament to the idea that simplicity, when executed with high-quality components, can lead to extraordinary taste and character.
What makes Del Maguey Vida mezcal recommended for the Guillotine cocktail?
Del Maguey Vida mezcal is suggested for the Guillotine cocktail due to its distinctive flavor profile that enhances the drink's overall character. Del Maguey is renowned for its consistency and commitment to authenticity in mezcal production, utilizing traditional methods that highlight the unique qualities of the agave plant. Vida, in particular, offers notes of spicy fruitiness, hints of smoke, and a touch of earthy sweetness that harmonize beautifully with the herbal bitterness of Cynar and the dryness of white vermouth. This creates a balanced and multi-layered experience in the Guillotine, underscoring Kehagiaras’s focus on quality ingredients to elevate simple cocktail compositions into sophisticated beverages.
Why is the Guillotine cocktail stirred and not shaken?
The decision to stir the Guillotine cocktail instead of shaking is a deliberate choice that reflects the classic approach to preparing spirit-forward drinks. Shaking can provide aeration and dilutes the mixture more rapidly, which is suitable for cocktails that include citrus or other non-alcoholic ingredients that benefit from being emulsified. However, stirring is the preferred method for the Guillotine as it gently combines the alcohol components while allowing the individual flavors to remain distinct and well-integrated without over-dilution. This method ensures a cold, smooth, and crystal-clear beverage, highlighting the mezcal's smokiness, Cynar's earthy bitterness, and the vermouth's dry complexity as intended by the recipe.
What food pairings complement the Guillotine cocktail?
The Guillotine cocktail, with its smokiness, earthiness, and herbal undertones, pairs exceptionally well with a variety of savory dishes. Consider pairing it with roasted meats, such as lamb or pork, which provide a rich, robust backdrop that complements the cocktail's distinct flavors. Grilled vegetables with a charred finish can also echo the mezcal's smokiness while contrasting with the bitter complexity of Cynar. Additionally, cheese boards featuring aged cheeses with nutty, sharp profiles, such as Gouda or Pecorino, can create a delightful interplay of flavors that elevate both the drink and the food. These pairings underscore the cocktail's versatile nature, enhancing the dining experience and bringing out its nuanced taste.
How does the alcohol content of the Guillotine compare to other classic cocktails?
The Guillotine boasts an alcohol content of 28%, making it a fairly robust option among cocktails. When compared to other classic cocktails, its alcohol content is slightly higher than cocktails like the Old Fashioned, which usually averages around 25%, and on par with drinks like the Martini, which can range from 30-40% depending on the ratio of gin to vermouth. The relatively high alcohol content contributes to the Guillotine's bold and assertive flavor profile, which is tempered by the smoothness achieved through stirring rather than shaking, creating a balanced experience that appeals to aficionados of spirit-forward cocktails.
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