12/21/2025
The official 2025 Fool’s Paradise Holiday Cocktail:
Tough Tinsel
Ingredients:
1.5 oz Peruvian Pisco
(We’re using Tabernero achelado, but Barsol quebranta is nice, also.)
5 oz amber vermouth. We’re using Martini Riserva Speciale Ambrato. If you can't find it, sub another amber style, or an aromatic bianco/blanco. (If you’re in Ireland, Valentia Island is wonderful in this.)
25 oz Ancho Reyes Verde liqueur
25 Licor 43, aka “Cuarenta y Tres”
2 drops Bitter Truth’s Jerry Thomas bitters
Four thin rounds sliced from a Persian cucumber
Orange peel
How To:
Cut four thin rounds of cucumber. Put one aside for garnish; the other three: juice by squeezing through a garlic press, or alternatively muddle in mixing glass. Add liquid ingredients and ice and stir until frosty cold. Double strain into a pre-chilled cocktail glass.
Garnish by pressing a cucumber round to the inside of the glass. Slice a strip of orange peel and squeeze over glass to release citrus oil. If you’re feeling safe, flaming the peel is recommended.
A toast: “Que Dios me perdone!” (May god forgive me)
