Tall, Dark & Handsome

ABOUT

Smoky, creamy and incredibly smooth: if you’re an adventurous drinker then my Tall, Dark & Handsome is just for you.

Made with mezcal, a pistachio orgeat, condensed milk, and just a bit of cocoa powder, this cocktail combines some of my favorite flavors and is full of texture.

The base spirit for this cocktail is mezcal. Similar to tequila, mezcal is made from agave. However, while tequila can only be made from blue agave, mezcal can be made with any type of agave. Remember all tequilas can be considered a mezcal, but not all mezcal is tequila. Noted for its sweet and smoky flavor profile, mezcal is one of my new favorite spirits.

I’ve been looking to make an orgeat for a while now and am happy I was finally able to make one with my favorite nuts: pistachios. Full of protein, antioxidants, and nutrients like Vitamin B, pistachios are bursting with various health benefits. My original inspiration was a pistachio gelato that I tried a few years ago and fell in love with.

While at first it appears intimidating, orgeat is incredibly easy to make. There are different ways to make it, but the best way to think about it is that it’s a nut simple syrup. You combine your favorite nut (ground) with sugar, water, and an edible fragrant water (like rose water). My favorite orgeat recipe can be found in The Cocktail Workshop with original recipes from Lee Noble with Adam Erace.

Condensed milk is added for richness and as a sweetener, and cocoa powder is added for the love of chocolate of course.

This drink is served in a Nick and Nora or a coupe glass. Shaved chocolate is an optional garnish.

Recipe Type: Cocktails

Glassware: Nick and Nora/Coupe

Servings: 1

INGREDIENTS

  • 1.5 oz. mezcal

  • 1.5 oz. pistachio orgeat

  • 1.5 oz. condensed milk

  • 1 tsp. cocoa powder

INSTRUCTIONS

  1. Prepare pistachio orgeat according to The Cocktail Workshop or another recipe (just swap out the almonds for pistachios)

  2. Add all ingredients to a cocktail shaker

  3. Add ice

  4. Shake for 30 seconds

  5. Strain into a chilled Nick and Nora or coupe glass

  6. Garnish with shaved chocolate

Cocktails, Dessert CocktailsBartender Barrybartender barryComment