Explosión de Sabor - Explosion of Flavor!

This drink has a lot going on! 

I was excited to experiment with combining delicious creamy RumChata with the smokiness of a Mezcal.  I layered on the flavor profile with a Ginger Liqueur and Orange Bitters. I doubled down by using a spicy salt rim on the glass, and finished it off with some essense of lime by expressing the oils from a lime peel over the top of the cocktail.

The first thing that hits your palate is the salty spiciness from the rim of the glass.  Its could be described as a sensation, rather than a flavor. Then you notice the luxurious creamy texture, the cinnamon, vanilla and rum flavors from the RumChata.  Then the hints of smoke, ginger and lime.

All in all I think it makes for a delicious and interesting cocktail experience!

Ingredients:
2 oz RumChata
1 oz Mezcal (I used Del Maguey Minero)
1 oz Ginger Liqueur (I used Barrow's Intense)
1 dash Orange Bitters (I used Angostura)
Chili Salt for rimming glass* 
Lime “coin” for expressing Lime Oils (see photo)

Glasswear: 
Coupe, Cocktail or Martini

Tools:
Shaker, strainer

Served:
Up, (without ice)

Method:

• Prepare Chili Salt, (recipe below)
• Rim glass:  Place some Chili Salt into a small dish.  With a lime wedge, moisten a thin portion of the outside of the glass.  Do not moisten the inside of the glass, as we don’t want any of the Chili Salt sticking and mingling with the liquid, (see photo).
• Add RumChata, Mezcal, Ginger Liqueur and Orange Bitters to shaker.  Add ice and shake until very cold, about 15 seconds.
• Strain into prepared glass.
• Express oils from Lime “coin” over drink by holding it in the thumb and index finger of both hands, (skin side towards the drink) and pinching it.  Discard Lime “coin”.
• Enjoy with good friends and good music!

*Chili Salt Recipe:
Mix together

• 1 tbs Sea Salt (I used San Francisco Salt Co. French Grey)
• 2 tsp Chili Powder
• ½ tsp Chipotle Chili Pepper Powder

Note:
The leftover Chili Salt is great for rimming a glass for a Margarita and/or on your eggs in the morning!

"Rimming" a glass.

Lime "coin".