l'année du mexique

2 oz Siete Leguas Reposado Tequila
1/2 oz Amontillado Sherry
1/2 oz Salers Gentiane Liqueur
1+ barspoon Crème de Mûre (*)
1 dash Orange Bitters

Stir with ice and strain into a cocktail glass. Twist an orange peel over the top.
(*) Perhaps crème de cassis would work in a pinch.

Two Sundays ago, I ventured down to No. 9 Park where Tyler Wang was tending bar. For a first drink, Tyler recommended the L'Année du Mexique that he had created. The drink's name refers to a year long celebration honoring Mexican culture planned in France that was unfortunately canceled. Regardless, the drink brings together a combination of French and Mexican spirits without any political discord. When I heard the ingredients, it made me think of Scott Holliday's Br'er Rabbit, so I gave Tyler the thumbs up on the idea.
The L'Année du Mexique presented an orange oil and agave aroma with hints of berry on the nose. Next, a grape sip was followed by a tequila swallow chased by the gentian's bitter notes. Finally, the drink finished with blackberry and lingering agave flavors.