Mayahuel Cocktail

Name: Mayahuel Cocktail
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Yield: 1 serving
Ingredients: 45 ml / 1.5 oz Reposado Tequila; 22.5 ml / 0.75 oz St-Germain Elderflower Liqueur; 22.5 ml / 0.75 oz Fresh Lime Juice; 22.5 ml / 0.75 oz Fresh Pink Grapefruit Juice; 15 ml / 0.5 oz Hibiscus Syrup

Ingredients Instructions

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 oz
A 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 oz
Provides key floral sweetness to the drink.
Fresh Lime Juice22.5 ml / 0.75 oz
Must be freshly squeezed for best results.
Fresh Pink Grapefruit Juice22.5 ml / 0.75 oz
Freshly squeezed pink grapefruit juice offers a balance of sweet and tart flavors.
Hibiscus Syrup15 ml / 0.5 oz
Can 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.