Rosemary Mezcal Slushie
There is nothing that a frozen cocktail can't fix. Don't quote me on that.
One time when I was like 8 years old I went to a gas station in my neighborhood and they had slushies. I'm used to seeing frozen daiquiris everywhere (thanks, New Orleans), so, being the responsible kid my mom raised me to be, I asked the lady behind the counter "are these alcohol-free?" It's weird terminology and I honestly don't know why I thought this gas station was selling frozen mixed drinks or why they would sell one to a child but I was 8 and strange so whatever. Anyway, the woman working thought I said "are these free?" and she was like wtf no they aren't free go away. I remember it like it was yesterday, probably because it was incredibly mortifying. Ah, fun times.
Unlike the slushie I never actually had, these definitely have alcohol. Lots of it. If you aren't familiar with mezcal, I highly recommend getting to know the stuff. It's basically a smokey tequila and it is so. damn. good. A few weeks ago I mentioned that a bunch of spring breakers were probably in Mexico discovering mezcal for the first time and getting all kinds of gross drunk and I realize now that it sounded like I don't like mezcal. Well, correction: I love love love mezcal. I hate hate hate spring breakers.
So, while there won't be any spring breakers at my house getting super drunk on mezcal for Cinco de Mayo, Matt and I probably will be. Well, not super drunk actually because I have exams. But I will be damned if school gets in the way of me having at least one cocktail at the pool on Cinco de Mayo. I mean shit it's basically summer weather here. Yay summer. Yay mezcal. Mezcal 4 ever!
Oh, also, friends, this will be the last post I do before heading on vacation for a little while. I've got a few posts scheduled and I'll be posting about the trip as well!
Rosemary Mezcal Slushy
(makes about three 12 oz cocktails)
- 12 oz mezcal
- 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
- 2 cups fresh grapefruit juice
- 1/2 cup rosemary simple syrup*
- 1 cup water
- Angostura bitters
- Sprigs of whole rosemary (this is v important!)
- Combine all ingredients (besides the bitters and rosemary sprigs) in a freezer-safe bowl and freeze for 8 - 12 hours.
- Fluff with a fork or spoon and transfer to a Collins glass.
- Top with bitters, a rosemary sprig, and one of the cute as heck Susty Party straws.
- Enjoy!
Notes:
*Rosemary simple syrup can be made by combining equal parts sugar and water (I did a cup each) in a small pot with 3-4 sprigs of rosemary. Bring it all to a boil and remove the rosemary before pouring the syrup into a jar. Add a sprig of fresh rosemary and refrigerate for up to a week.
*The rosemary syrup adds a great rosemary flavor, but the rosemary garnish is the real kicker. The aroma you get with each sip of the cocktail is a freaking game changer. Don't skip this part!
