Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/628173
january-february 2016 / the tasting panel / 69 The versatility of Midori cocktails continued at the serene rooftop bar and restaurant The Roof on Wilshire in the Hotel Wilshire, a Kimpton boutique property in L.A.'s Miracle Mile district, where Bar Manager Marcus Sims presented his new cocktail, the L.A. Mai Tai. "I know it's winter," Sims admits, sitting poolside. "But it's always sunny in L.A., and I like bright colored drinks in the winter. You can do so much more with Midori than the typical Midori Sour. It's a great tool for bartenders, and it enhances the flavor profile of many different cocktails, and gives them an extra pop of color." His cocktail, a play on the traditional tiki drink, embodies both the spirit of Midori and Sims's mixology. "We don't always need to invent crazy drinks with a million special ingredients," Sims asserts. "Sometimes common ingredients can make exceptional cocktails when you use something in a new way." Bricia Lopez, co-owner of Guelaguetza in Los Angeles, CA, with her Guelaguetza Margarita. Marcus Sims, Bar Manager of The Roof on Wilshire in Los Angeles, CA. Midtown Muse ◗ 2 /3 oz. Midori Melon Liqueur ◗ 1 1 /3 oz. Yamazaki Whisky ◗ 1 /3 oz. vanilla liqueur ◗ Dash of bitters ◗ Lemon twist garnish Guelaguetza Margarita ◗ ½ oz. Midori Melon Liqueur ◗ 1½ oz. mezcal ◗ 1 oz. triple sec ◗ 1 oz. simple syrup ◗ 2 oz. lime juice ◗ ½ oz. limoncello ◗ Smashed cucumber Shake all ingredients except for Midori in a mixer filled with ice. Strain into Martini glass. Pour Midori down the side to settle at the bottom of the Martini glass. Garnish with an orange slice. Nestled in the Koreatown district of Los Angeles, Guelaguetza is a Oaxacan gem of a restaurant known for its delicious mole sauce. But mole isn't the only thing that makes Guelaguetza famous: Co-owner Bricia Lopez says the restaurant's namesake cocktail is a very popular menu item—their top-selling drink, in fact. "People love smoky Margaritas," Lopez enthuses. "But there are lots of mezcal Margaritas out there, and we wanted to make something that was smoky but also different. The tanginess of Midori pairs perfectly with the mezcal, and also gives it a beautiful color." Midori also tempers the smokiness of the mezcal, which is great for first-time mezcal drinkers. L.A. Mai Tai ◗ ½ oz. Midori Melon Liqueur ◗ 1 oz. EFEEN Black Cherry ◗ 1 oz. coconut rum ◗ ½ oz. orange juice ◗ ½ oz. lemon juice ◗ ½ oz. agave nectar ◗ 2 oz. pineapple juice