Variations on a Theme

Though the Margarita is now a classic in its own right, it originally started as a riff on a popular cocktail: the Daisy.  A Daisy is essentially a sour that uses a liqueur as its main sweetener (though syrups are still sometimes used) alongside base spirits like brandy or gin. Some popular variations of the daisy include the Sidecar, the Cosmopolitan, and the Lemon Drop. The Margarita (Spanish for “daisy") came about when tequila was used as the base spirit. However, the expansion didn’t stop there. Eventually, a variation on the Margarita, known as a Devil’s Margarita was created when a red wine float was added to the cocktail. We took this a step further and replaced tequila with mezcal to create the Devil's Pact. That would make this cocktail a variation of a variation of a variation of a variation, which makes us a little dizzy just thinking about it.

Red Wine Float

A red wine float (usually seen in a New York Sour) is when red wine is slowly poured over the back of a barspoon on top of a cocktail, allowing the wine to float on the surface of the finished drink. The results are visually stunning and can add even more complexity to your cocktails. Depending on the wine you use, a red wine float can add a dry or fruity flavours to pretty much any cocktail. For the Devil's Pact, we would recommend a fruitier wine, but feel free to experiment and see which wine you like best.

How to make it

All In Except the Wine

Add Mescal, lime, and orange liqueur to cocktail shaker with ice, and shake until mixed and thoroughly chilled. Pour it into a chilled glass.

Float On

Using a barspoon, float red wine onto the surface of the drink, creating a clear separation between the wine and the rest of the drink.

Enjoy!