Mayahuel Cocktail
The Mayahuel Cocktail is a modern classic from the famed New York bar of the same name. It's a beautifully balanced drink that showcases reposado tequila's richness against the floral notes of elderflower liqueur and the unique sweet-tart flavor of hibiscus. The tartness from fresh grapefruit and lime juice ties everything together, while the hibiscus syrup gives the drink its stunning ruby color. It is as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate.
Preparation
Preparation time: 5 minutes
Preparation time
Difficulty
Drink Classification
This drink is classified as a cocktail. It belongs to the Modern Classic category, as it was created in the 21st century but has gained significant recognition and is considered a staple in modern mixology. It is a tequila-based sour-style drink.
Serving
This is a moderately strong cocktail served straight up in a pre-chilled coupe glass to maintain its cold temperature. The serving size is typical for a classic shaken cocktail.
Serving size
Approximately 135 ml / 4.5 oz
Alcohol content
Approximately 20-25% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Coupe
Glass treatment
Chilled
Backstory
This cocktail was created by bartender Philip Ward at the iconic, now-closed, New York City agave bar, Mayahuel. The bar, which opened in 2009, was a temple to tequila and mezcal, and this cocktail was one of its signature creations. The name "Mayahuel" refers to the Aztec goddess of agave, a fitting tribute for a drink that so elegantly features tequila.
Origin
Created by Philip Ward at the Mayahuel bar in New York City, USA, around 2009.
Mayahuel Cocktail
The Mayahuel Cocktail is consistently known by its original name, a tribute to the bar where it was created and the Aztec goddess of agave.
Original name
Mayahuel Cocktail
Characteristics overview
The Mayahuel cocktail boasts a complex floral and citrus aroma, with a taste that perfectly balances sour and sweet notes. It has a smooth texture, a stunning ruby red appearance, and a clean, refreshing finish suitable for any season.
Flavor
Floral, tart, citrusy, sweet, agave, fruity
Aroma
Grapefruit, floral, hibiscus, elderflower, cooked agave
Taste balance
Sour, sweet
Aftertaste
Clean, floral, lingering tartness
Fizziness
None
Color appearance
Deep pink, ruby red, clear
Texture
Smooth, crisp, silky
Seasonality
Refreshing, summery, year-round
Flavor intensity & Experience
This cocktail presents a high intensity of flavor, led by a prominent sourness and fruitiness, balanced by a moderate sweetness. It is a still drink with noticeable alcohol strength but no saltiness, spiciness, or creaminess.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation
Ingredients
This cocktail requires a base of reposado tequila, complemented by elderflower liqueur, fresh citrus juices from lime and pink grapefruit, and a vibrant hibiscus syrup.
- Reposado Tequila45 ml / 1.5 ozA 100% blue agave reposado tequila is recommended for its balance of agave flavor and light barrel notes.
- St-Germain Elderflower Liqueur22.5 ml / 0.75 ozProvides key floral sweetness to the drink.
- Fresh Lime Juice22.5 ml / 0.75 ozMust be freshly squeezed for best results.
- Fresh Pink Grapefruit Juice22.5 ml / 0.75 ozFreshly squeezed pink grapefruit juice offers a balance of sweet and tart flavors.
- Hibiscus Syrup15 ml / 0.5 ozCan be store-bought or homemade by infusing dried hibiscus flowers into a simple syrup.
Ice type
- Cubed
Mixing equipments
You will need a standard cocktail shaking set, including a shaker, jigger for measuring, and both a Hawthorne and fine mesh strainer for a smooth, chilled result.
- Cocktail shaker for chilling and combining ingredients.
- Jigger for accurate measurement.
- Hawthorne strainer to hold back ice after shaking.
- Fine mesh strainer for double straining to remove small ice chips.
Instructions
The method involves combining all liquid ingredients in an ice-filled shaker, shaking until well-chilled, and double straining into a chilled coupe glass. The final touch is an aromatic grapefruit twist garnish.
1. Chill your coupe or cocktail glass in the freezer for at least 15 minutes.
2. Pour the reposado tequila, St-Germain, fresh lime juice, fresh pink grapefruit juice, and hibiscus syrup into a cocktail shaker.
3. Fill the shaker with cubed ice until it is about two-thirds full.
4. Secure the lid and shake vigorously for 12-15 seconds, until the outside of the shaker is frosted and very cold.
5. Double strain the mixture through a Hawthorne strainer and a fine mesh strainer into the chilled coupe glass.
6. Prepare a grapefruit twist and express the oils over the surface of the drink by squeezing the peel. Place the twist on the rim of the glass as a garnish.
Garnishing
A simple yet aromatic grapefruit twist is the ideal garnish, adding a burst of citrus aroma that complements the drink's flavors.
- Grapefruit twist, express the oils over the drink before placing it on the rim or in the glass.
Dietary Information
This cocktail is naturally free from common allergens such as dairy, eggs, nuts, and gluten. It is also caffeine-free, vegetarian, and vegan-friendly.
✓ Contains alcohol
✓ Caffeine-free
✓ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✓ Nut-free
✓ Gluten-free
✓ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly
Nutrition information
This cocktail contains a moderate amount of calories, carbohydrates, and sugar, primarily from the liqueur, syrup, and fruit juices.
Calories
Averagely 210 kcal / 879 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Averagely 20 grams
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Averagely 18 grams
Sugar level
Occasions
This cocktail is perfect for sophisticated gatherings and cocktail parties due to its elegant appearance and complex flavor profile. Its refreshing nature also makes it an excellent choice for summer evenings or a celebratory happy hour.
- Cocktail Party
- Summer Evenings
- Happy Hour
- Sophisticated Gatherings
Pairing suggestions
The cocktail's bright acidity and floral notes pair exceptionally well with Latin American cuisine. It cuts through the richness of dishes like tacos al pastor and complements the fresh flavors of seafood ceviche. It is also an excellent companion for spicy and salty appetizers.
- Ceviche
- Tacos al pastor
- Spicy guacamole with tortilla chips
- Lightly grilled fish or shrimp
The Mayahuel Cocktail: A Floral Tribute to Agave
The Mayahuel Cocktail is a sophisticated modern classic that brilliantly balances the earthy notes of reposado tequila with bright citrus and complex floral flavors from elderflower and hibiscus. Created by Phil Ward in New York, its striking ruby hue makes it visually stunning. It is a refreshing, well-rounded drink that is both tart and sweet, perfect for lovers of agave spirits seeking a unique and memorable experience. An elegant tribute to its namesake, the goddess of agave, it's a testament to the creativity of modern mixology.
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