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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.
Bartending Tools
To make this cocktail, you’ll need the following bar tools:
Jigger: This is used to measure and pour ingredients. I used the Japanese jigger from the A Bar Above 14-Piece Silver Bar Set.
Mixing Glass: This is used to hold the ingredients while they’re being stirred. I used the Viski 17 oz Cocktail Mixing Glass.
Bar Spoon: This is used to stir ingredients. I used the Barfly Stainless Steel Teardrop Bar Spoon.
Julep Strainer: This is used to strain out ice and solid ingredients after the cocktail is stirred. I used the A Bar Above Julep Strainer.
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.
Quick Step
Description
The Quick Step is a modern cocktail created in 2015 by Natasha David at Nitecap in New York City. A smoky, agave-forward twist on the Gin Martini, it pairs mezcal and pepper-infused tequila with blanc vermouth and peach liqueur for a dance of heat, smoke, and subtle sweetness in every sip.
Ingredients
Method
Add mezcal, blanc vermouth, jalapeño tequila, and crème de pêche to a mixing glass.
Fill mixing glass with cubed ice.
Using a bar spoon, stir for 30-45 seconds until well-chilled and slightly diluted.
Using a julep strainer, strain into a Nick & Nora glass.
