The Loaded Pistol is a modern classic that marries the rich, smoky flavor of mezcal with the sweet and herbal nuances of Italian liqueurs. It's a stirred mezcal cocktail served in a rocks or Old Fashioned glass, garnished with a sea salt rim. The drink was originally created in 2019 by Erick Castro as a partner at Polite Provisions, San Diego.
In his original recipe, mixologist Erick Castro used a grasshopper salt rim as a garnish for the drink. This rim was madeby combining 1/2 cup of sea salt with 2 tablespoons of ground dried grasshoppers—known as chapulines in Mexico. Nowadays, many recipes online suggest using a simple sea salt rim instead. However, I suggest trying the original version. The earthy flavor of the grasshopper salt adds a unique depth, making the drinking experience far more intriguing.
Quick facts about the Loaded Pistol cocktail
- Method: stirred
- Flavor profile: sweet, herbal, smoky, citrus hints
- How to serve it: In a Old Fashioned glass over large ice cube
- Glassware: Old Fashioned glass
- Alcohol content: ~ 27.5% ABV, 22.8 grams of alcohol per serving
Ingredients To Make the Cocktail
To craft the perfect Loaded Pistol cocktail, you'll need the following ingredients:
- 1.5 oz Mezcal
- 0.75 oz Sweet Vermouth
- 0.5 oz Strega Liqueur
- 4 drops Grapefruit Bitters
- Grasshopper salt or regular sea salt (for the rim)
- Ice (preferably a large cube)
Selecting the Right Mezcal
The mezcal is the star of this cocktail. Choose a high-quality, 100% agave mezcal with a balanced smoky profile. Bottles like Del Maguey Vida or Montelobos Espadin Joven are excellent choices.
Choosing a Sweet Vermouth
Sweet vermouth adds depth and sweetness. Don't go for a cheap Martini Rosso in this drink. Instead, opt for higher-quality Italian vermouth like Carpano Antica Formula or Cocchi Vermouth di Torino for a more complex flavor.
How to make the grasshopper salt
Adding grasshopper salt to your cocktail rim brings an authentic and adventurous twist to your drink. Here's how to make it at home.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup flaky sea salt
- 2 teaspoons dehydrated grasshoppers (chapulines)
Process:
To make grasshopper salt, add 1/2 cup of flaky sea salt and 2 teaspoons of dehydrated grasshoppers into a blender.Pulse the mixture for 5 to 15 seconds until the grasshoppers are finely ground and evenly mixed with the salt. Once blended, transfer the grasshopper salt into an airtight container for storage.
Step-by-Step Preparation Guide for the Loaded Pistol
Ready to mix? Follow these steps:
- Prepare Your Glassware: Take an Old Fashioned glass and run a slice of grapefruit around the rim. Then dip the rim into a plate sprinkled with your grasshopper salt or sea salt to create a thin, even coating.
- Mixing the Cocktail: Fill a mixing glass with ice. Add 1.5 oz mezcal, 0.75 oz sweet vermouth, 0.5 oz Strega liqueur, and 4 drops of grapefruit bitters. Stir gently for about 20 to 30 seconds to chill and dilute the mixture slightly.
- Serving: Place a large ice cube into your prepared glass. Then strain the cocktail over the ice.
- Garnish: Optionally, garnish with a twist of grapefruit peel to enhance the aroma.
Equipment
- 1 Mixing glass
- 1 Bar spoon
- 1 Hawthorne Strainer
Ingredients
- 1.5 oz Mezcal - (Montelobos Espadin or Del Maguey Vida)
- 0.75 oz Sweet vermouth - (Antica Formula or Cocchi Storico)
- 0.5 oz Strega liqueur
- 3-4 drops of Grapefruit bitters
Instructions
- Prepare your glass by rmoisten the rim and dipping it in the grasshopper salt or sea salt.
- Add all ingredients into a mixing glass with ice.
- Stir gently for 20 to 30 seconds until the drink is properly chilled.
- Add a large ice cube into the glass and strain the cocktail over the ice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can replace Strega with Yellow Chartreuse or Benedictine to achieve a similar herbal flavor profile.
You can use orange bitters or add a small dash of fresh grapefruit juice as an alternative.
Dehydrated grasshoppers are available at specialty food stores, Mexican markets, or online retailers specializing in edible insects.
Moisten the rim with a citrus wedge, then dip it into a plate of salt to create an even coating.