The Devil's Soul is a rye whiskey based cocktail made with mezcal, enhanced with bittersweet notes of Aperol and a hint of elderflower sweetness from St. Germain. Served in a Nick & Nora glass and garnished with orange zest, this cocktail is a testament to inventive mixology.
The Devil's Soul cocktail was crafted by mixologist Ted Kilgore and gained prominence when it was featured by the esteemed cocktail writer Gary Regan in his book, 101 Best New Cocktails 2012. This innovative drink brings together an unconventional mix of ingredients. While the combination may seem unlikely, these components blend harmoniously to create a cocktail that is both complex and unexpectedly satisfying.
Quick facts about the Devil's Soul cocktail
- Method: stirred
- Flavor profile: boozy, sweet, bitter, herbal, rich
- How to serve it: Chilled in a Nick & Nora glass, no extra ice. Garnished with an orange zest.
- Glassware: Nick & Nora glass
- Alcohol content: ~ 31.1% ABV, 28.2 grams of alcohol per serving
Cocktail Ingredients
To make the Devil's Soul cocktail at home, you'll need:
- 1.5 oz Rye Whiskey: Rye is known for its spicy and robust flavor profile and forms the backbone of this cocktail. It provides a solid foundation that stands up to the strong flavors of mezcal and blends well with the flavors of the three liqueurs.
- 0.5 oz Sombra Mezcal: Mezcal often adds a distinctive smoky note. Made from roasted agave, its earthy flavors complement the spiciness of the rye.
- 0.5 oz Amaro Averna: An Italian amaro liqueur with rich caramel and herbal notes.
- 0.25 oz Aperol: A lighter, citrus-forward bitter liqueur. Aperol contributes subtle bitterness and brightens the mix with its orange and rhubarb flavors.
- 0.25 oz St Germain Elderflower Liqueur: This French liqueur brings a delicate floral sweetness, adding an elegant touch that works well with the other ingredients in this recipe.
- Orange Zest
Required Bartending Tools
To craft the Devil's Soul cocktail, gather the following bar tools:
- Mixing Glass: A sturdy glass vessel for stirring the cocktail ingredients with ice.
- Bar Spoon: A long-handled spoon designed for stirring drinks efficiently.
- Jigger: A measuring tool to ensure precise proportions of each ingredient.
- Strainer: Typically a Hawthorne or Julep strainer, is used to hold back ice as you pour.
- Nick & Nora Glass: A stemmed glass ideal for serving stirred cocktails.
- Peeler or Zester: This is used to create the orange zest garnish.
- Ice: Fresh, clean ice is crucial for proper chilling and dilution.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making the Devil's Soul
- Prepare Your Glassware: Chill your Nick & Nora glass by placing it in the freezer or filling it with ice and water.
- Measure and Combine the Ingredients: In a mixing glass filled with ice, measure and add ill ingredients one by one. Using a jigger ensures accurate measurements.
- Stir the Cocktail: Stir the mixture gently with a bar spoon for about 20-30 seconds. This process chills the drink and achieves the right dilution.
- Strain and Serve: Remove your glass from the freezer or discard the ice from your chilled Nick & Nora glass. Place a strainer over the mixing glass and pour the cocktail into the chilled glass.
- Garnish: Use a peeler to slice a piece of orange zest. Gently twist the zest over the drink to release its essential oils. Rub the rim of the glass with the zest before placing it into the cocktail.
Equipment
- 1 Mixing glass
- 1 Bar spoon
- 1 Hawthorne Strainer
- 1 Jigger
Ingredients
- 1.5 oz Rye Whiskey - e.g. Rittenhouse Rye
- 0.5 oz Mezcal - Sombra or Del Maguey Vida
- 0.5 oz Amaro Averna
- 0.25 oz Aperol
- 0.25 oz St Germain
- 1 Orange zest
Instructions
- Chill your Nick & Nora glass in the freezer for 10 to 15 minutes.
- Add all ingredients into a mixing glass filled with ice.
- Stir for 20 to 30 seconds to chill the drink and reach the desired level of dilution.
- Strain into your chilled Nick & Nora glass.
- Garnish with an orange zest.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Devil's Soul Cocktail
Yes, you can substitute rye whiskey with bourbon for a sweeter taste, but it will slightly alter the cocktail's original flavor profile.
You can use other amari like Amaro Montenegro or Ramazzotti as substitutes, though they may introduce different herbal notes.
A Joven (young) mezcal like Sombra, Del Maguey Mezcal Vida is ideal due to its balanced smokiness and smoothness.
You can omit Aperol or replace it with a small amount of Campari, but this will increase the cocktail's bitterness and reduce citrus flavors.
A coupe or a chilled martini glass are suitable alternatives for serving the Devil's Soul.
Yes, stirring preserves the clarity and texture of the spirits, ensuring a smooth, well-balanced drink. Stirred drinks also have different dilution levels which makes a significant difference in taste.
It's best enjoyed freshly made, but you can pre-mix the spirits without ice and store them refrigerated; stir it with ice just before serving to reach the desired dilution.
Smoky or grilled dishes, aged cheeses, and dark chocolate complement the cocktail's complex flavors.