A neighbor and I started dreaming up this cocktail last summer.  We were looking for something more bitter than sweet, that wasn’t too strong but still had some complexity to it.  The result was this slightly smoky, slightly sweet, slightly bitter drink that we named “The Bitter Neighbor.”

This is not a difficult recipe, but it is a little time-consuming.  Start with a sweet red vermouth. Vermouth is the basis of this drink, so make sure to use something you really like.  I recommend Casals Mediterranean Vermouth.  You will use two ounces of vermouth per drink.

Pour two ounces of vermouth into a small mixing glass and add one Earl Grey tea bag to it.  Let it sit and infuse for at least ten minutes and up to twenty minutes.  Any longer than twenty-five minutes or so and the tea will absorb too much of the alcohol and make the drink too bitter.   If you plan on having more than one serving, or if you are having this later in the evening, you may want to use decaffeinated tea.  After infusing remove the tea bag without pressing out any liquid from it.

To the vermouth infusion add one half teaspoon of mezcal.  Mezcal is not the star of this drink so any brand is fine, but use something with good smoke to it.  I use Del Maguey Vida Clasico.  It is less expensive than most mezcals, has a nice smoky flavor, and doesn’t have any surprising ingredients used in production (no thank you to the turkey or chicken breasts that are used during the roasting process of some types of mezcal).

The last ingredient is Grand Marnier.  Add one-half teaspoon to the vermouth and mezcal mixture.  You can substitute another orange liqueur of your choice.   Shake all ingredients vigorously with ice until your shaker starts to get too cold to hold comfortably.  This is meant to be served very cold.   Strain the contents of your mixing glass into a small coupe glass and enjoy immediately.   

Cheers to good neighbors!