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.

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Cocktail Ingredients

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

Mezcal: This is a spirit made in Mexico with agave, sugar, and alcohol that is aged in an underground pit lined with wood. I used Rayu Espadín Mezcal.

Blanc Vermouth: This is a fortified wine made with grapes, sugar, botanicals, herbs, sugar, and alcohol. I used Dolin Blanc Vermouth de Chambéry.

Jalapeño Tequila: This is a spirit made with jalapeño peppers, unaged agave, and water. I used Dulce Vida Spirits Organic Tequila Blanco infused with jalapeño peppers.

Crème De Pêche: This is a liqueur made with heirloom peaches, spices, sugar, and alcohol. I used Giffard Crème De Pêche De Vigne.

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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.

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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 Rating: ⭐⭐

Kendall’s Take: "This cocktail certainly has its merits, and I appreciated what Natasha David managed to do with a Martini-style cocktail that called for mezcal and spicy tequila in lieu of gin and vodka. That said though, this was much too strong on the alcohol flavor for me to truly enjoy it. I could tell on the first sip that I probably wouldn't be able to swallow it without wincing a bit, and that's exactly what happened. If you're already familiar with Martinis or you're feeling brave, take my experience with a grain of salt and give the Quick Step one a try. It is very unique."

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Recipe

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