I remember the first time I stumbled upon the Farmer's Tan cocktail. I was searching for new Mezcal cocktails and found this drink created by Seth Brammer. The smoky allure of reposado mezcal, the subtle sweetness of orange curaçao, and the complexity of amaro—each sip was a revelation. Today, I'm excited to share this mezcal marvel with you.
Apparently, Seth Brammer came up with the Farmer's Tan recipe in 2016 while working at Filament in Dallas (now permanently closed). However, the name of the drink is not new nor unique as you can find countless beverages with the same name but with completely different recipes.
This Mezcal-based cocktail is originally made with Wahaka Reposado con Gusano Mezcal - an aged mezcal type, Ferrand Dry Curaçao, Cardamaro, and Xocolatl mole bitters, but feel free to experiment with the ingredients.
Quick facts about the Farmer's Tan cocktail
- Method: stirred
- Flavor profile: floral, delicate, smoky, boozy
- How to serve it: Chilled in a Nick & Nora glass, no extra ice
- Glassware: Nick & Nora glass
- Alcohol content: ~ 29.1% ABV, 21.8 grams of alcohol per serving
Ingredients Needed
To craft the perfect Farmer's Tan cocktail, you'll need:
- 1.5 oz Reposado Mezcal: Opt for a high-quality mezcal like Illegal Reposado Mezcal or Xicaru Reposado.
- 0.5 oz Orange Curaçao Liqueur: You can go with the original Pierre Ferrand Dry Curaçao, or you could opt for a classic like Cointreau.
- 0.5 oz Light Vermouth Amaro: I would recommend trying to make the drink with Cardamaro as it adds a mild bitterness and delicate herbal notes. However, any light vermouth amaro will do.
- 3 Drops Xocolatl Mole Bitters: These bitters add a nice hint of chocolate and subtle spice to the cocktail.
What is Vermouth Amaro?
For anyone wondering what Vermouth Amaro means, it's an Amaro liqueur based on vermouth. Amaro liqueurs come in many different styles, flavors, and alcohol content. Vermouth Amaros tend to be lighter, less bitter, and with more subtle floral or herbal notes.
Step-by-Step Preparation
- Prepare Your Glassware: Chill a Nick & Nora glass by filling it with ice or placing it in the freezer for a few minutes.
- Combine the Ingredients: In a mixing glass filled with ice, pour in the mezcal, orange curaçao, and amaro.
- Add Bitters: Add three drops of Xocolatl mole bitters to the mixture.
- Stir Gently: Stir the mixture for about 20 seconds to ensure it's well-chilled and diluted properly.
- Strain and Serve: Discard the ice from your chilled Nick & Nora glass. Strain the cocktail into the chilled glass.
- Garnish (Optional): Consider garnishing with a cocktail pick that you put in the glass. Then let a drop of chili oil run along the cocktail pick to break on the surface of the drink.
Equipment
- 1 Mixing glass
- 1 Bar spoon
- 1 Hawthorne Strainer
Ingredients
- 1.5 oz Reposado Mezcal
- 0.5 oz Orange Curaçao
- 0.5 oz Cardamaro
- 3 drops Xocolatl mole bitters
Instructions
- Put your Nick & Nora glass in the freezer for 10 to 15 minutes to chill it.
- Add all ingredients into a mixing glass filled with ice.
- Stir for 15-20 seconds to ensure it's well-chilled and diluted properly.
- Strain the cocktail into the chilled glass.
- (optional) Consider garnishing with a cocktail pick that you put in the glass. Then let a drop of chili oil run along the cocktail pick to break on the surface of the drink.
Frequently Asked Questions
While tequila can be used, it lacks the smoky flavor that mezcal brings to the cocktail.
Try Meletti or Amaro Nonino for a similar but not quite the same taste. You can use other light amaro or sweet vermouth in a pinch, though the flavor will differ slightly.
Specialty liquor stores or online retailers often carry these bitters. You can also check out our guide about where to buy bitters.