The Velasco and Sand cocktail is a mezcal-based twist on the classic Blood & Sand, which is traditionally made with Scotch Whisky, and the brain-child of Adéle Robberstad from Cherry Heering liqueur.
The drink is served straight in a chilled Coupe glass, garnished with an orange peel. While the original Blood & Sand is an equal-part cocktail, the spirit and orange juice in the Velasco and Sand are slightly increased. This extra amount of mezcal adds a slight kick to the drink and emphasizes the smoky note in the cocktail.
Quick facts about the Velasco & Sand cocktail
- Method: shaken
- Flavor profile: smoky, sour, fresh, slightly fruity (cherry)
- How to serve it: Chilled in a coupe glass, no extra ice. Garnished with orange peel
- Glassware: Coupe glass
- Alcohol content: ~ 15.5% ABV, 16 grams of alcohol per serving
Ingredients to make this drink
- 1 oz Del Maguey Vida Mezcal: Provides a rich, smoky foundation.
- 0.75 oz Heering Cherry Liqueur: Adds deep, sweet cherry flavors.
- 0.75 oz Sweet Vermouth: Introduces herbal and caramel notes.
- 1 oz Fresh Orange Juice: Brings a refreshing citrus element.
- Garnish: Orange peel twist.
Other Mezcal options
Depending on the mezcal used as the base for this drink, your Velaso & Sand will have a more or less pronounced smoky note. For a slightly smokier drink, try using Montelobos Espadin Joven. Here are three other recommendations:
- El Silencio Espadín: A smooth and versatile mezcal with balanced smoky notes, making it perfect for cocktails.
- Ilegal Mezcal Joven: Offers a clean and slightly sweet profile with hints of smoke and eucalyptus—great for mixing.
- Vida de San Luis Del Rio by Del Maguey: This mezcal has a fruity and spicy character with a gentle smoky finish.
Step-by-Step Preparation of the Velasco & Sand
- Chill the Glass: Place a coupe glass in the freezer for a few minutes (15 minutes will do the trick) or fill it with ice and water to cool it down.
- Combine All Ingredients: In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, add:
- 1 oz mezcal
- 0.75 oz cherry liqueur
- 0.75 oz sweet vermouth
- 1 oz fresh orange juice
- Shake Well: Secure the shaker lid and shake vigorously for about 15 seconds until the outside feels frosty.
- Prepare the Glass: If you used ice to chill the glass, empty it now. If you chilled it in the freezer, get it out.
- Strain: Pour the drink through your strainer into the chilled coupe glass.
- Garnish: Twist an orange peel over the glass to release the oils, then place it on the rim or in the drink.
Equipment
- 1 Cocktail Shaker
- 1 Hawthorne Strainer
Ingredients
- 1 oz Mezcal
- 0.75 oz Sweet vermouth - (e.g. Strucchi Rosso Vermouth)
- 0.75 oz Heering cherry liqueur
- 1 oz Fresh orange juice
Instructions
- Chill your coupe glass in the fridge for 15 minutes.
- Add all ingredients into your cocktail shaker filled with ice.
- Shake for 15 seconds or until the outside of your shaker gets frosty.
- Strain into the chilled coupe glass and garnish with an orange peel.
More variations of the Blood & Sand
This is just one of many twists and riffs on the Blood & Sand recipe. Here are some other variations, besides the Velasco & Sand:
- Gringo's Blood & Sand: Based on tequila, but uses double the amount of spirit compared to the original recipe.
- Iron and Sand: Following the equal-parts template but replacing Heering cherry liqueur with Ferro China Baliva.
- Peat, Blood, Sweat, and Sand: A more complex drink with added bitter liqueur, saline solution, and blood orange juice.
- Bloody Blood & Sand: Only a slight twist that enhances the smoky notes in the drink.
- Perfectly Straight Blood & Sand: A much more complex recipe using two elements of Scotch, vermouth, and cherry-flavored ingredients.
- Dutch Blood & Sand: This genever-based twist is a lighter more fragrant drink compared to the traditional recipe.
- Wood Sap & Sand: Mint leaves and Mastiha liqueur make this drink significantly more refreshing than the original recipe.
FAQs
Yes, you can substitute with grapefruit or blood orange juice, but it will alter the cocktail's taste.
A chilled coupe glass is ideal for presenting this cocktail elegantly.
Fresh juice offers brighter flavor and lacks preservatives or added sugars found in bottled juice.
Yes, any quality cherry liqueur like Luxardo or Giffard can be used, but it may slightly change the taste of your drink.