Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/759555
december 2016 / the tasting panel / 105 Marie King: Don Q Don Q was started 150 years ago outside the city of Ponce, Puerto Rico, making it one of the old- est family-owned and -operated business in the Americas. Aged in American white oak barrels for one-and-a-half to five years, the clear Don Q Cristal is excellent in traditional rum drinks but is also smooth enough to sub in for vodka in any cocktail. What the Mixologist Loves: "Running a tiki bar, rum is our foundation and Don Q is our workhouse. An honest, true product, Cristal is ideal for mix- ing while their other sipping rums are a perfect fit on our shelf. Marie King, Head Mixologist/Executive Beverage Director, Tonga Hut. Justin Cardwell, West Coast Brand Ambassador, Licor 43. Some Enchanted Evening ◗ 2 oz. Don Q Cristal ◗ 1 oz. fresh Ruby Red grapefruit juice ◗ ¾ oz. fresh lime juice ◗ ½ oz. house-made rose syrup ◗ ½ oz. simple syrup (1:1) ◗ 2 dashes Regan's Bitters ◗ ¼ tsp. Szechwan peppercorns Build in large brandy snifter. Garnish with a candied grapefruit shaped as a pink bow for Breast Cancer Awareness. From Havana to Seville ◗ 1½ oz. Zacapa 23 ◗ ¾ oz. Licor 43 ◗ ¾ oz. grilled pineapple juice ◗ ½ oz. lime juice ◗ 1 oz. coconut milk ◗ 2–3 dash Angostura Bitters Combine Zacapa 23 through Angostura in tin, ice and shake to combine. Ice Hurricane glass with crushed ice; double-strain cocktail into glass. Garnish with Guajillo chili and Licor 43 dust to finish. Justin Cardwell: Licor 43 The world's number one Spanish liqueur, Licor 43 is a vanilla-citrus liqueur made in Cartagena in Spain. Its origins come from an ancient formula called licor mirabilis, a "miracle drink" purporting to offer longevity. The name comes from the recipe's original 43 ingredients, although the actual formula is only known by three people. What the Mixologist Loves: "The versatility. Though this cocktail is tiki-centric, I could have just as easily made it a boozy stirred or swizzle. With 43 botanicals, the mixability is endless and only goes to amplify other spirits."