As I watch autumn settle into Dubuque, I’ve been perfecting what I believe is the ideal seasonal toast – an innovative espresso martini I call “Cold Mayan Night.”
Let me take you through my creative journey crafting this unique cocktail that celebrates my wine shop and our incredible local community.
A Local’s Inspiration
Just blocks from my house sits Devour Coffee, a charming local coffee shop that has been the cornerstone of my inspiration. Their Mayan-inspired coffee sparked a unique vision in me – a vision of what an elevated fall cocktail could be.
This isn’t just another espresso martini riff; as I like to say, “It’s not even a riff. It is an idea from a Mayan coffee.” This local inspiration is what makes Cold Mayan Night a drink that truly belongs to our community.
Cold Mayan Night
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minutesCold Mayan Night is a riff on an Espresso Martini that uses tequila and a chili liquor.
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Ingredients
1.5 oz Reposado Tequila
.5 oz Mr. Black
.5 oz Ancho Reyes Chili Liquor
1 Dash Mole Bitters
1 oz Cold Brew Coffee
.25 oz Rich Demerara Syrup
Directions
- Add all ingredients into a cocktail-shaking tin
- Add ice
- Shake hard for 10 – 12 seconds
- Double strain into a chilled Nick & Nora glass
Recipe Video
Cold Mayan Night: a Perfect Balance
Creating Cold Mayan Night has been an exercise in precision and passion. I meticulously handpicked each ingredient to form a harmonious blend: the rich demerara syrup, the agave sweetness of the reposado tequila, the unexpected complexity of Ancho Reyes Chili Liqueur, and the subtle notes of chocolate and cinnamon from the mole bitters.
This unique selection, I proudly believe, has resulted in a fall cocktail that is not just balanced, but a symphony of flavors that will intrigue and excite your taste buds.
“It’s perfect,” I often tell my customers. “It’s not offensive at all. It just says, hello, I’m here.”
A Toast to Community
This cocktail is more than just a drink – it’s a celebration of our vibrant community. By incorporating local elements and drawing inspiration from our city’s culture, I’ve created something that truly represents the spirit of Dubuque. It’s a toast to our shared heritage and our exciting future.
If you’re in the Dubuque area before January, I’d love for you to stop by my wine shop and experience Cold Mayan Night for yourself. It’s a drink that we can all be proud of, a testament to the creativity and spirit of our community.
The Evolution of Tradition
In creating Cold Mayan Night, I wanted to push boundaries while honoring traditional cocktail crafting. Each element tells a story—from the locally sourced coffee to the carefully selected spirits. The result is a drink that speaks to Dubuque’s rich heritage and exciting future.