Cocktail Hour: The Backyard Cocktail

Hey Everyone! My name is Roni and I am a graphic designer living in New York. I am also a bit of a cocktail connoisseur! My sister asked if I could share a drink with you, and here’s what I came up with—The Backyard Cocktail.

This drink is nice and refreshing on a hot summer day. Depending on how spicy you like your drink, you can add more or less Tabasco when mixing. The original recipe called for 1/2 teaspoon of Tabasco, but I thought that was a little overpowering on a hot day, so I reduced it slightly.

The Backyard Cocktail

Ingredients

4 mint leaves, plus more for garnish

1/4 teaspoon green Tabasco

1 ounce Mezcal

1/2 ounce chartreuse*

1 ounce lime juice

1/2 ounce simple syrup

Tools—shaker, muddler, shot glass, measuring spoons, picks for garnish (optional)

*You might be wondering what Chartreuse is! Chartreuse is a french liqueur made from distilled herbs, plants, and flowers. It was given its name because the liqueur itself is yellowish green in color. This might be a little pricey initially, but it’s a nice staple for the home bar!

Directions

Muddle the mint leaves and tabasco in the bottom of a cocktail shaker.

Add the remaining ingredients, fill with ice, and shake vigorously for 15 seconds.

Pour everything into a tumbler, and garnish with mint.

Recipe via The Kitchy Kitchen