The Illegal Cocktail, also known as the Illegal Margarita, is a modern mezcal cocktail with a smoky twist on the classic Margarita and part of the IBA standardized cocktails. Shaken to perfection, it combines mezcal for depth and Jamaican Overproof Rum for an extra kick, blending the earthy agave flavors with tropical rum notes and the subtle sweetness of Maraschino liqueur.
Ideal as a summer cocktail or to bring warmth to cooler seasons, the Illegal Margarita Cocktail celebrates bold and vibrant flavors. Fresh lime juice and simple syrup balance the robust spirits, while a hint of Falernum adds exotic spice to this craft cocktail.
Although historical details on the Illegal Cocktail are scarce, it's traditionally served in clay mugs similar to those used for Pox, an ancient Mayan spirit, and other Latin American drinks like the Canchánchara and Cantarito. Despite its obscure origins, the ingredients and preparation methods are well-known.
Quick Facts about the Illegal (Margarita) Cocktail
- Method: Shaken
- Flavor profile: Smoky, citrusy, sweet, and spicy
- How to serve it: Strained into a chilled cocktail glass, optionally garnished with a dehydrated lime wheel.
- Glassware: Coupe glass
- Alcohol content: Approximately 18.4% ABV, 19.5 grams of alcohol per serving
Ingredients
- 1 oz Mezcal: The smoky, earthy backbone of the cocktail, imparts authentic Mexican agave flavor.
- 0.5 oz Jamaican Overproof White Rum: Contributes robust tropical notes and a higher proof to intensify the cocktail.
- 0.5 oz Falernum: A spiced liqueur or syrup with flavors of almond, ginger, clove, and lime, enhancing the cocktail's complexity.
- 1 bar spoon Maraschino Luxardo: A cherry liqueur that adds subtle sweetness and depth.
- 0.75 oz Fresh Lime Juice: Lime juice in cocktails brings bright acidity to balance the sweetness and spirits.
- 1/3 oz Simple Syrup: Adds sweetness to harmonize the flavors.
- 1/3 oz Egg White (optional): Creates a silky texture and frothy top when shaken vigorously.
- 2 drops of Saline Solution: Enhances the overall flavors with a touch of salt.
Required Bartending Tools
- Cocktail Shaker: The most important tool to properly mix and chill the ingredients.
- Jigger: To measure the precise amounts of each ingredient and create consistent results.
- Hawthorne Strainer: To strain the cocktail into the glass without ice.
- Fine Mesh Strainer (only if using egg white): To remove any small ice shards.
- Bar Spoon: To help measure smaller amounts like the Maraschino liqueur.
- Citrus Juicer: To extract fresh lime juice.
Step-by-Step Guide to Make the Illegal Cocktail
- Prepare the glass: Add a combination of ice and water to the coupe glass to chill it while preparing the cocktail
- Measure ingredients: Using a jigger and bar spoon, measure out all the ingredients and add them to your shaker.
- Dry shake: If using egg white, shake all the ingredients without ice for about 15 seconds to emulsify the egg white.
- Add ice: Fill the shaker with ice cubes.
- Shake vigorously: Shake well for another 15 seconds until the shaker is frosty.
- Double strain: Using a Hawthorne strainer and a fine mesh strainer, strain the cocktail into a chilled cocktail glass.
- Garnish: Optionally, garnish with a dehydrated lime.
Ingredients
- 1 oz Espadin Mezcal
- 0.5 oz Jamaica Overproof White Rum
- 0.5 oz Falernum
- 1 bsp Maraschino Luxardo
- 0.75 oz Fresh Lime Juice
- ⅓ oz Simple Syrup
- ⅓ oz Egg White - (or aquafaba)
- 2 drops Saline solution
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to a cocktail shaker with plenty of ice.1 oz Espadin Mezcal, 0.5 oz Jamaica Overproof White Rum, 0.5 oz Falernum, 1 bsp Maraschino Luxardo, 0.75 oz Fresh Lime Juice, ⅓ oz Simple Syrup, 2 drops Saline solution
- Shake until the drink is well-chilled and strain the cocktail into an Old Fashioned glass or coupe glass. Alternatively, a traditional clay mug would be a great choice. Enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
FAQs
While Mezcal provides the signature smoky flavor in the Illegal Cocktail, you can substitute it with Tequila for a milder agave spirit. However, the cocktail will lose some of its distinctive smokiness.
Falernum is a Caribbean syrup or liqueur flavored with lime, almonds, ginger, and spices. You can make homemade Falernum by infusing these ingredients into simple syrup or overproof rum.
The egg white is optional; it adds a silky texture and froth. If you prefer not to use egg white, you can substitute with aquafaba (chickpea brine) for a vegan alternative, or omit it altogether.
To make a saline solution, mix 20 grams of sea salt with 80 grams of warm water until dissolved. Use drops in cocktails to enhance flavors, as a touch of salt can balance and elevate the taste.
Is this 1 Tbsp (you have bsp) or 1 tsp?
Hey Jay,
it's one (American) bar spoon which equals one teaspoon, so approx 5ml. Let us know how you liked it!
Cheers