Cocktail of the Week: Bar Shrimp's La Rosita – A Smoky Mezcal Delight
This week's featured cocktail is Bar Shrimp's La Rosita, an upmarket and smoky variation on the classic negroni that is remarkably simple to prepare. All you need is a glass and a spoon to craft this sophisticated drink, making it accessible for both novice and experienced mixologists alike.
Recipe and Preparation
The La Rosita recipe serves one and includes the following ingredients:
- 30ml mezcal – Bar Shrimp recommends La Medida Espadin
- 20ml Campari or any other bitter aperitivo
- 15ml sweet vermouth – such as Dolin Rouge
- 15ml dry vermouth – such as Dolin Dry
- 1 twist of orange zest for garnish
To prepare, measure all ingredients into a mixing glass or jug filled with ice. Stir well to combine, then strain the mixture into a rocks glass filled with fresh ice, preferably a single large cube. Garnish with the orange zest twist and serve immediately.
Flavour Profile and Pairing
This cocktail swaps out the traditional tequila from its noughties-inspired predecessor, instead highlighting mezcal as the star spirit. Mezcal brings a lightly smoky profile to the drink, creating a complex and aromatic experience. According to Daniel Craig Martin, co-founder of Bar Shrimp in Manchester, the La Rosita is ideally paired with a campfire setting, making it an excellent choice for premixing in a flask and taking on a spring camping adventure.
The combination of bitter aperitivo, sweet and dry vermouths, and the distinctive smokiness of mezcal results in a balanced and refreshing cocktail that is both elegant and easy to enjoy outdoors.
