Quick Step

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Cocktail History

The Quick Step is a modern cocktail that was created in 2015 by Natasha David at her former bar Nitecap in New York City, New York. The recipe first came to be during a time when mezcal and peach were popular ingredients in cocktails and is meant to be a agave-based twist on the Gin Martini. This version calls for both mezcal and pepper-infused tequila as the base spirits and pairs them with blanc vermouth and peach liqueur.

Cocktail Ingredients

To make this cocktail, you’ll need the following ingredients:

Mezcal: This is a spirit made in Mexico with fermented agave and yeast, which are distilled after roasting agave hearts in underground pits to develop a smoky, complex flavor.

Blanc Vermouth: This is a type of wine made with white grapes and a blend of herbs and botanicals, which are fermented and then fortified with a neutral spirit to develop a light, aromatic flavor.

Jalapeño Tequila: This is a type of tequila made with fermented blue agave and yeast, which are distilled and then infused with jalapeño peppers to develop a spicy, vegetal flavor.

Peach Liqueur: This is a liqueur made with peaches, distilled alcohol, water, and sugar, which are blended and infused to develop a sweet, stone fruit flavor.

Brands I Used

• 🔗 Rayu Espadín Mezcal
• 🔗 Carpano Bianco Vermouth
• 🔗 Tanteo Jalapeño Tequila
• 🔗 Rothman & Winter Orchard Peach Liqueur

Bartending Tools

To make this cocktail, you’ll need the following bar tools:

Bar Mat: This is a rubber or silicone mat that’s placed on the bar surface and used for catching spills, providing grip for glasses and tools, and keeping the workspace clean and organized.

Jigger: This is a small double-sided tool with different volume measurements on each side that’s used for accurately portioning ingredients.

Mixing Glass: This is a sturdy glass vessel with a wide opening that’s used for stirring cocktails with ice before straining and serving.

Julep Strainer: This is a round metal strainer with a perforated bowl shape and handle that’s used for straining stirred cocktails from a mixing glass while holding back ice and solids.

Bar Spoon: This is a long-handled spoon with a twisted shaft that’s used for stirring cocktails, layering ingredients, and reaching the bottom of tall glasses and mixing vessels.

Nick & Nora Glass: This is a small, stemmed glass with a round or square delicately curved bowl that’s used for serving stirred, spirit-forward cocktails in smaller portions.

Tools I Used

• 🔗 A Bar Above 18×12 Premium Bar Mat
• 🔗 A Bar Above Stainless Steel Japanese Jigger
• 🔗 Viski 17 oz Cocktail Mixing Glass
• 🔗 A Bar Above Stainless Steel Julep Strainer
• 🔗 Barfly Stainless Steel Teardrop Bar Spoon
• 🔗 Riedel Drink Specific Nick & Nora Glass

Tasting Notes

This cocktail has the following flavor profile:

• Appearance: Essentially clear color

• Aroma: Smoky mezcal

• Taste: Vegetal taste initially that evolves into semi-sweet vermouth and light fruitiness

• Finish: Lingering jalapeño spice

Kendall’s Take
“This is such a unique take on the Martini-style format, swapping the usual gin or vodka for mezcal and spicy tequila. Those spirits give the Quick Step a smoky, fiery personality that really stands out. I’d call it a cocktail that leans confidently into strong flavors while still keeping the elegant simplicity of a classic stirred drink. If you enjoy exploring modern twists on traditional cocktail styles, this one is definitely memorable.”

Recipe

This cocktail recipe was found in the book Mezcal + Tequila Cocktails: Mixed Drinks for the Golden Age of Agave by Robert Simonson.