Better and Better Cocktail Recipe

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Better and Better Nutrition Facts

Calories:170

Fat:0g

Protein:0g

Carbohydrates:11g

Alcohol by volume:30%

Created by

Nic Polotnianko

I fell in love with the art of mixology 6 years ago. Since then, I've honed my skills, crafting a myriad of cocktail recipes, and sharing my passion with other enthusiasts.

Last Updated: January 16, 2024

History

The 'Better and Better' cocktail is a modern twist on classic flavors, combining the smoky notes of mezcal with the tropical vibe of Jamaican rum. It was created for those who appreciate a journey through complex flavors in their glass.

  • Origins: The cocktail is a brainchild of contemporary mixology, where bartenders enjoy experimenting with bold flavors.
  • Popularity: It's favored by adventurous drinkers who aren't afraid to step outside their comfort zone.
  • Occasions: Perfect for a late-night gathering or as a conversation starter at a sophisticated soirée.

How Better and Better Tastes?

The 'Better and Better' cocktail offers a complex flavor profile. It starts with a smoky punch from the mezcal, followed by the sweet, spicy undertones of the Velvet Falernum, and finishes with the robust, tropical notes of the Jamaican rum. It's a strong, yet balanced drink with a lingering finish.

Interesting facts about Better and Better

  • The name 'Better and Better' suggests a cocktail experience that improves with each sip.
  • Mezcal, one of the primary ingredients, is made from agave, similar to tequila, but with a distinctive smoky flavor.
  • John D. Taylor’s Velvet Falernum is a Barbadian liqueur that adds a hint of lime, almond, and clove to the mix.

Ingredients

Velvet Falernum Liqueur

This sweet syrupy liqueur brings a touch of clove, lime, and almond to the mix. Too much and you might feel like you're drinking a spice cabinet, too little and you'll miss the Caribbean whisper it's meant to lend. Without it, the drink loses its subtle sweetness and complexity.

Alex Green

Smith and Cross Jamaican Rum

Yielding a funky and robust flavor, this rum adds depth to the cocktail. If you're heavy-handed, it might just hijack the whole operation with its potent navy strength. A bit less, and you're dropping the ball on the rum's essential bass notes. Skip it, and you wave goodbye to the tropical bravado of the drink.

Emma Rose

Fidencio Clasico Mezcal

The star of the show, providing smokey, earthy tones that are the cocktail's backbone. Treat it like a campfire story: too long and it's overbearing, too short and it's unsatisfying. Leaving out mezcal is like leaving out the 'better' from 'Better and Better'. An alternative? A gentler Oaxacan mezcal could lower the smoke and up the mystique.

Mary Mitkina

Lemon Twist

The twist is the final zesty kick, the curtain call of citrus that brightens the mood. Think of it like that little wink from across the room; without it, you miss that spark of charm. It's all about balance -- no twist and the cocktail can seem aloof, too much and it might as well be a lemonade stand.

Alex Green

Recipe. How to make Better and Better Drink

  1. Prepare the Glass:
    • Use an old-fashioned glass for serving.
  2. Mix Ingredients:
    • Pour 0.25 oz of Velvet Falernum Liqueur into the glass.
    • Add 0.5 oz of Smith and Cross Jamaican Rum.
    • Measure and pour 1.5 oz of Fidencio Clasico Mezcal.
  3. Stir Briefly:
    • Add ice to the glass.
    • Stir the mixture briefly to chill and combine flavors.
  4. Garnish:
    • Express a lemon twist over the drink and place it on the rim or drop it in.

Pro Tips

  • Ice Quality: Use large, clear ice cubes to slow down dilution and maintain the integrity of the flavors.
  • Lemon Twist: Make sure to twist the lemon peel over the glass to release the essential oils, adding an aromatic dimension to the cocktail.
  • Stirring: Stir just enough to chill the drink; over-stirring can lead to excessive dilution.

Perfect Pairings

Food Pairings

  • Grilled Meats: The smoky profile of mezcal and the Jamaican rum enhances the flavors of grilled or barbecued meats.
  • Spicy Cuisine: The tanginess of the Velvet Falernum and the heat from the alcohol can complement spicy dishes like Thai or Indian curries.
  • Dark Chocolate: A piece of dark chocolate can enhance the complexity of the cocktail with its bitter flavors.

Drink Pairings

  • Coffee: A robust espresso or black coffee alongside this cocktail can create an intriguing contrast between bitter and sweet, smoky notes.

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What you could change in Better and Better

  • Mezcal: If Fidencio Clasico is unavailable, any high-quality mezcal can be used.
  • Jamaican Rum: Appleton Estate Reserve Blend is a suitable substitute for Smith and Cross.
  • Velvet Falernum: A homemade falernum syrup can replace the liqueur in a pinch.

Explore all drinks starting with B here

And of course - twists🍹

Smoky and Spicy

  • Add a dash of chili bitters: The heat would play vastly with the mezcal's smokiness and change the drink from a tropical breeze to a desert wind.

Sweet and Smooth

  • Substitute the mezcal with an añejo tequila: This changes the smokey profile to a more mellow, oak-aged smoothness and adds a hint of vanilla.

Citrus Burst

  • A splash of orange liqueur and extra lemon: Dialing up the citrus makes it more refreshing and lively, best for a hot summer day when life gives you lemons and you make better cocktails.

In case you forgot basics how to make Better and Better

Insert the spoon into the glass until it touches the bottom. Keep the back of the spoon against the inside wall of the glass, and stir in a smooth, circular motion. The goal is to swirl the ice and ingredients together without churning or splashing.

Learn everything on how to stir

Garnishing a bar drink depends on the type of garnish and the cocktail. Generally, it involves preparing the garnish (like cutting a citrus wheel or picking a sprig of mint), and then adding it to the drink in a visually appealing way (like perching it on the rim or floating it on top).

Learn everything on garnishing

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Frequently Asked Questions on Better and Better

What glassware is recommended for serving the 'Better and Better' cocktail?

An old-fashioned glass is recommended to enhance the drinking experience for 'Better and Better'.

Can I make a 'Better and Better' cocktail in a large batch for parties?

Yes, you can scale up the ingredients proportionally to serve a larger group, but serve each drink freshly stirred with ice.

How do I store Velvet Falernum Liqueur?

Velvet Falernum liqueur should be stored in a cool, dark place and refrigerated after opening to prolong its shelf life.

Is 'Better and Better' suitable for vegans?

Yes, all the ingredients in 'Better and Better' are typically vegan-friendly, but always check specific brand labels to be sure.

What type of mezcal is best for the 'Better and Better' cocktail?

A high-quality mezcal with a good balance of smoke and sweetness is best for complementing the flavors in the 'Better and Better' cocktail.

Is there a non-alcoholic version of the 'Better and Better' cocktail?

While there is no official non-alcoholic version, you can experiment with non-alcoholic spirit substitutes and a homemade non-alcoholic falernum syrup.

What is the ideal food pairing with this cocktail?

Grilled meats, spicy cuisine, and dark chocolate are ideal food pairings for the 'Better and Better' cocktail.

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