Ingredients: Served: Served in one of two ways:\nStraight up (no ice) in a chilled cocktail glass\nOn the rocks (over ice) in a traditional clay or terracotta mug. Drinkware: Cocktail glass. Method: Pour all ingredients into shaker with ice cubes. Shake vigorously. Strain into chilled cocktail glass, or "on the rocks" into a traditional clay or terracotta mug. 3 cl Mezcal (espadín), 1.5 cl Jamaica overproof white rum, 1.5 cl Falernum, 1 barspoon maraschino Luxardo, 2.25 cl fresh lime juice, 1.5 cl simple syrup, Few drops of egg white (optional)

**Illegal - Cocktail** Venture into intriguing territory with the **Illegal Cocktail**, a fascinating modern classic that blends smoky **Mezcal** and potent **Rum** with complex, sweet, and **Sour** flavors! This bold **Cocktail** brings together smoky **Mezcal** (specifically Espadín), high-proof Jamaican overproof white **Rum**, the spiced sweetness of **Falernum**, subtle nutty notes from **Maraschino Luxardo**, vibrant fresh **lime juice** for sharp **Citrus** and **Sour**ness, **Sweetened** simple syrup, and a touch of egg white (optional) for a **Foamy**, **Emulsified** texture. It’s a complex, multi-layered drink that's **Shaken** vigorously and can be **Served Up** in a chilled **Cocktail glass** or **On the rocks** in a traditional **Served in Mug** (clay or terracotta). **Ingredients:** * 3 cl Mezcal (espadín) * 1.5 cl Jamaica overproof white rum * 1.5 cl Falernum * 1 barspoon maraschino Luxardo * 2.25 cl fresh lime juice * 1.5 cl simple syrup * Few drops of egg white (optional) **Preparation:** 1. Choose your serving vessel: a chilled **Cocktail glass** for **Served Up**, or a traditional clay or terracotta mug filled with ice for **On the rocks** service. 2. In a **cocktail shaker**, combine the **Mezcal**, Jamaican overproof white **Rum**, **Falernum**, **maraschino Luxardo**, fresh **lime juice**, simple syrup, and optionally, the egg white. 3. If using egg white, perform a "dry shake" first (shake without ice) for 15-20 seconds to **Emulsified**. 4. Add ice cubes to the shaker. 5. **Shake vigorously** until the shaker is frosty and the drink is well-chilled. 6. **Strain** the mixture into your chosen chilled glass or mug. If using egg white, double strain through a fine mesh strainer to ensure a smooth **Foamy** top. 7. Serve **Served Up** (without ice) or **On the rocks** (over ice in the mug). **Notes and Tips:** * The combination of **Mezcal** and overproof **Rum** provides a potent and flavorful **Spirit** base. * Using *fresh* **lime juice** is crucial for the sharp **Citrus** and **Sour** balance. * **Falernum** adds a unique spiced sweetness that ties the **Tropical Rum** and smoky **Mezcal** together. * The egg white creates a lovely **Foamy**, silky texture, enhancing the complexity. If you don't use egg white, skip the dry shake and shake only with ice. * The serving vessel is part of the experience – a traditional clay or terracotta mug enhances the drink's connection to Mexico when served **On the rocks**. **History or Origin:** The **Illegal Cocktail** is a modern classic created by John Deragon at Macao Trading Co. in New York City in 2009. It was named partly for the use of Mezcal, which was (and sometimes still is) associated with illicit or bootlegged production, and partly for the bold, slightly rebellious nature of combining two strong, flavorful spirits like **Mezcal** and overproof **Rum**. It quickly became a cult favorite among cocktail enthusiasts. **Visual Description:** Served **Served Up** in a chilled **Cocktail glass**, the **Illegal Cocktail** is often a pale yellow or slightly hazy color, potentially topped with a layer of white foam if egg white is used. **On the rocks** and **Served in Mug**, it has a similar color profile but is presented rusticly in a traditional clay or terracotta mug filled with ice. It looks intriguing and hints at the bold flavors within. **Conclusion:** For a **Cocktail** that's both complex and intriguing, the **Illegal** is a must-try. Its daring blend of smoky **Mezcal**, robust **Rum**, **Falernum**, **Citrus**, and **Sweetened** syrup, **Shaken** and served in your preferred style, offers a uniquely flavorful experience. It's a **Sour**, **Spirit**-forward adventure in a glass!