MINDFUL MIXOLOGIST

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FRANCESCACOVIELLO MINDFUL MIXOLOGIST

The Cleansing Cocktail Hour

CHEERS TO THE NEW YEAR WITH A LOW-PROOF SOUR BURSTING WITH VEGGIES

BY JULES ARON

With a long week (month?) of holiday indulgence behind you, it’s time to kick off 2023 with a celebratory sip you can feel good about. Whether you plan on partaking in Dry January or prefer a mindful ethos all year long, you’ll love this green drink for a cleansing cocktail hour, with or without spirits. The Smoky Stalker uses Lillet Blanc and mezcal as its base, with the complementary vegetal notes of fresh market greens for a synergistic fl avor profi le.

GYORGY PAPP The Smoky Stalker Ingredients (serves 2) 2 celery stalks, washed, trimmed, 2 celery stalks, washed, trimmed, and cut into 1-inch pieces 2 Persian cucumbers, peeled and 2 Persian cucumbers, peeled and cut into 1-inch slices 1 thin slice of serrano pepper, deseeded 1 thin slice of serrano pepper, deseeded 1 small bunch cilantro, washed and chopped 1 small bunch cilantro, washed and chopped 1 1/2 oz. freshly squeezed lime juice 1 oz. simple syrup 1 1/2 oz. Ilegal Mezcal 4 oz. Lillet Blanc 1 cup ice

Add all ingredients to a blender and pulse until well blended. Strain into a glass with fresh ice and enjoy with extra lime wedges and an optional salt rim.