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Velasco and Sand

Nightcap/sipping · Mezcal Blood & Sand

4.5 158 ratings

Ingredients

1 oz Mezcal
3/4 oz Cherry brandy
3/4 oz Rosso/sweet vermouth
1 oz Orange juice

How to make

Serve in a coupe glass

Prepare

  1. 1 Select and pre-chill a COUPE GLASS.
  2. 2 Prepare garnish of orange zest twist.

Method

  1. 3 SHAKE all ingredients with ice.
  2. 4 STRAIN into chilled glass.

Garnish

  1. 5 EXPRESS orange zest twist over the cocktail and use as garnish.

15.1% alc./vol. · 1.2 standard drinks · 191 calories

History

Mezcal adds a smoky note to this riff on the classic Blood & Sand. The spirit and orange juice proportion is raised from equal parts; the extra mezcal adds a kick while more orange adds freshness and lightness.

A fitting name was needed. The reason for choosing "Velasco" is rooted in history. The Battle of Velasco, occurring on 26th June 1832, preceded the Texas Revolution and marked the first military engagement between Mexico and the Texas settlers. After two days of fighting, the Texans were victorious when the Mexicans, low on ammunition, surrendered. This was not only a significant battle but the name Velasco also seemed appropriate for a Blood & Sand, given that Fort Velasco once stood in present-day Surfside Beach, approximately 140 meters/150 yards from the Brazos River. The fort featured an inner and outer wall with 1.8 meters/6 feet of earth and sand between them. Sand was also a factor in this fierce battle, as the Texans dug trenches in the sandy terrain for protection against Mexican gunfire.

Also known as Authentic Blood & Sand, Mezcal Blood & Sand