My Favorite Salsa Alla El Mezcal Recipes

LA PINA (MEZCAL COCKTAIL WITH PINEAPPLE AND CILANTRO)

Steps:

• Put the large ice cube in an old-fashioned glass. Muddle the serrano chile with the cilantro leaves in a cocktail shaker. Add the mezcal, pineapple juice, simple syrup, lime juice, and ice cubes. Shake vigorously and strain over the large ice cube in the glass. Garnish with the pineapple leaf.

MY FAVORITE SALSA ALLA EL MEZCAL

Steps:

• Combine all ingredients in a food processor or blender.
• Blend until ingredients are mixed/chopped to your liking.

THE BEST RESTAURANT SALSA MADE AT HOME

Steps:

• Basically, you just stir up the ingredients and you got it, but since the original recipe called for a 6 pound can of tomatoes I'm really just estimating what I've done to make it a smaller batch.
• I take the pickled jalapeños (which at my store comes as jalapeño rings) and I chop them up fine in my mini processor. Once chopped up fine, I add what I'm estimating as 1 to 2 teaspoons of jalapeños. For those of you who don't measure like me, it seems to be about 6 or 7 medium sized rings from the jar. However, I'm sure size differs from brand to brand. I also like to add a little bit of the juice from the jar, b/c I think that's what helps give it that restaurant flavor. Just a few dribbles.
• My suggestion is to go light on the jalapeños for your first try. Don't trust the first taste of the salsa -- wait until the next day and taste it. It gets hotter after it has had time to sit. So if the next day it isn't hot enough for you, add more chopped jalapeños or just add a little of the jalapeño juice from the jar.
• When it comes to salt be careful not to over salt -- though I've found if I go too light then it doesn't taste right (taste more like store bought). So again, go light and then add small amounts till it tastes right. Same thing with the garlic powder.
• Remember you can always add but ya can't take out. Course, my first batch was so hot that I had to add another 28 oz can of crushed tomatoes before we could eat it (I think that was about 2 tablespoons of jalapeños and some of the juice!).
• The key to it is to be flexible, be willing to try different amounts till it tastes like you want. Have fun with it!

MEZCAL OLD FASHIONED

Steps:

• Combine simple syrup and bitters in an old fashioned glass. Fill the glass with ice. Squeeze the orange peel over the glass to express the oils, then place peel in glass. Add mezcal and tequila and stir until the drink is ice cold and alcohol has mellowed, about 20 seconds. Garnish with cherry.