Calories:~170
Fat:0g
Protein:0g
Carbohydrates:~11g
Alcohol:~22%
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
The Maximilian Affair is a modern cocktail that combines the smoky notes of mezcal with the floral sweetness of St. Germain Elderflower liqueur. It's a sophisticated choice that appeals to those who appreciate complex flavors and a touch of elegance in their drinks.
The Maximilian Affair offers a smoky base with a sweet, floral undertone, and a hint of bitterness from the Punt e Mes. It's a complex, layered drink that's both refreshing and bold.
The rich, smoky flavor of 1 oz of mezcal serves as a robust foundation for the cocktail. If you skimp on the mezcal, you'll lose the signature smokiness; if you overdo it, the smoky flavor might overpower the more delicate notes. Alternative: Try substituting with tequila for a less smoky and slightly sweeter profile.
1 oz of St. Germain infuses floral sweetness, adding elegance and complexity. Without it, the drink loses its signature flowery charm, and might become a bit too harsh. Alternative: Elderflower syrup mixed with a touch of vodka can be used if you can't find St. Germain.
The 1/2 oz of Punt e Mes, a dark and bitter vermouth, provides depth with its herbal and slightly bitter flavor, balancing the sweet from St. Germain. Too much can make the drink too bitter, and too little can leave it unbalanced. Alternative: Sweet vermouth can replace Punt e Mes for a less bitter and sweeter drink.
1/4 oz of lemon juice adds a zesty, fresh punch. It's all about balance; too much, and the cocktail becomes sour, too little and it may taste flat. The acidity also helps to cut through the sweetness of the liqueur. Alternative: Lime juice can work in a pinch, but it will alter the flavor profile significantly.
The lemon twist garnish is more than just looks; expressing (twisting over the drink) releases the essential oils, which adds a bright aroma and complements the cocktail's flavors. Alternative: An orange twist could add a slightly different, sweeter citrus aroma if desired.
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Add your ingredients to the shaker first, then ice. Fill it up to ¾ of its capacity to ensure enough space for shaking. Hold the shaker with both hands (one on the top and one on the bottom) and shake vigorously. The shake should come from your shoulders, not your wrists.
Learn everything on how to shakePlace your chosen strainer on top of the shaker or mixing glass, ensuring a secure fit. Pour the cocktail into a glass through the strainer, which will catch solid ingredients and ice. If double straining, hold the fine mesh strainer between the shaker and the glass.
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Look for mezcals that are labeled '100% agave' and check for a certification from the Consejo Regulador del Mezcal. The region of origin and the type of agave used can also influence the flavor profile of the mezcal.
Yes, you can batch the cocktail by multiplying the ingredients by the number of servings you need. However, it's best to add the lemon juice freshly before serving to maintain its bright flavor.
The name could be inspired by historical figures or events, such as Emperor Maximilian I of Mexico, or it could simply be a nod to the sophisticated nature of the cocktail. The origins of the name are not well documented.
Traditionally, mezcal is sipped slowly and can be accompanied by orange slices and worm salt. For the Maximilian Affair, the focus is on enjoying the complex interplay of flavors rather than following specific drinking rituals.
The Longshoreman offers a bold flavor profile with the spiciness of rye whiskey, the herbal bitterness of Averna amaro, and the sweet vermouth complexity from Punt e Mes. It's a well-balanced cocktail that's both strong and slightly sweet, with a bitter finish.
The Sputnik cocktail offers a bold and complex taste. The Absolut Vodka provides a clean, crisp base, while the Fernet Branca delivers a bitter, minty, and herbal punch. The lemon juice adds a slight tang, and the sugar syrup balances the bitterness with a subtle sweetness.
The Campari Tonic has a distinctly bitter and herbal taste with a hint of sweetness from the Campari. The tonic water adds a quinine bitterness and a fizzy texture that lightens the drink. It's a balanced mix of bitter, sweet, and bubbly.
The Roulette cocktail offers a perfect balance of sweet, sour, and bitter flavors. The combination of citrus, herbal, and fruity notes creates a refreshing and complex taste profile. The drink is smooth, with a slightly tangy finish.
The Savannah cocktail is a delightful balance of sweet, sour, and bitter flavors. The combination of citrus, herbal, and floral notes creates a refreshing and complex taste profile. The cocktail is light and crisp, with a subtle sweetness and a hint of tartness.
The St. Germain cocktail is a delightful balance of floral, sweet, and tart flavors. The elderflower liqueur adds a delicate sweetness, while the fresh lemon juice provides a bright, zesty note. The sparkling wine adds a touch of effervescence and a hint of dryness, making this a light and refreshing cocktail.
The Cherry Blossom cocktail has a delicate, fruity, and floral taste. It is slightly sweet, with a hint of tartness from the cherry and citrus flavors. The floral notes from the elderflower liqueur add a touch of sophistication, while the gin provides a subtle, refreshing kick.
The Daiquiri Blossom is a delightful balance of sweet, sour, and floral flavors. The tartness of the lime juice is complemented by the sweetness of the simple syrup, while the elderflower liqueur adds a delicate, fragrant touch. The rum provides a smooth, warming base that ties everything together.
The Honey Bee cocktail offers a delightful balance of sweet, sour, and floral flavors. The honey lends a rich, velvety sweetness, while the lemon juice provides a bright, tangy contrast. The rum adds warmth and depth, making this cocktail both refreshing and satisfying.
The Oaxacan Old Fashioned is a complex, smoky, and slightly sweet cocktail with a rich, velvety texture. The mezcal provides an earthy, smoky backbone, while the agave syrup adds a touch of sweetness and the Angostura bitters bring a subtle bitterness to balance the flavors.
The Bonfire cocktail has a smoky, sweet, and slightly spicy taste. It is a well-balanced drink with a hint of warmth and a smooth finish.
The Burnt Martini has a bold, smoky flavor with a subtle hint of citrus. It is a strong, dry cocktail with a smooth, velvety texture and a slightly bitter aftertaste.
The Eclipse cocktail is a harmonious blend of sweet, sour, and smoky flavors. The añejo tequila provides a rich, oaky base, while the Aperol adds a touch of bitterness. The Heering cherry liqueur imparts a sweet, fruity note, and the lemon juice brings a refreshing tang. The mezcal, although used sparingly, adds a distinctive smoky flavor that lingers on the palate.
The Peyote cocktail offers a complex and intriguing taste profile, with sweet, sour, and herbal notes. The sweetness of the agave syrup balances the tartness of the lime juice, while the earthy flavors of the mezcal and cactus juice create a unique and memorable experience.
The Polar Bear is a cocktail with a complex flavor profile. It's strong, with the mezcal providing a smoky base, while the vermouth adds a touch of sweetness. The creme de menthe gives it a refreshing minty taste, and the angelica tincture or celery bitters add a hint of bitterness. It's a cocktail that's both refreshing and warming, perfect for a cold winter's night.
The Cucumber Martini is crisp, clean, and refreshing with a subtle hint of botanicals. It has a light, slightly sweet taste with a smooth, velvety texture. The cucumber adds a cool, fresh flavor that balances the sharpness of the gin and the tanginess of the lemon.
The Ruby cocktail is a delightful mix of sweet, sour, and fruity flavors. The combination of raspberry, lime, and orange liqueur creates a refreshing and tangy taste, while the vodka adds a smooth and strong kick. The overall flavor profile is well-balanced, making it a popular choice for those who enjoy both sweet and sour cocktails.
The Irish Cactus offers a rich, creamy sweetness with a bold undercurrent of agave from the tequila. It's a harmonious blend of smooth and fiery, with a velvety texture that coats the palate.
The French 75 has a bright, effervescent taste with a perfect balance of sweet and sour flavors. The combination of gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup creates a tangy, refreshing base, while the champagne adds a luxurious, bubbly finish.
The Kir Royale is a delightful, elegant, and refreshing cocktail with a perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors. It has a rich, fruity taste from the crème de cassis, complemented by the crisp, effervescent bubbles of the Champagne or sparkling wine.
The French Martini has a rich, velvety texture with a sweet and fruity taste. The combination of pineapple juice, Chambord, and vodka creates a well-balanced flavor profile that is both refreshing and indulgent.
The Whiskey Sour is a well-balanced cocktail with a tangy, sour taste from the lemon juice, a subtle sweetness from the simple syrup, and a rich, warming sensation from the whiskey. The egg white adds a smooth, creamy texture.
The Tom Collins has a refreshing, slightly sour, and mildly sweet taste. It is a well-balanced cocktail with a smooth and light texture, making it easy to drink and enjoy.
The Sidecar is a delightful mix of sour, sweet, and strong flavors. The combination of cognac, orange liqueur, and lemon juice creates a smooth and refreshing taste, with a hint of warmth from the cognac.
The Red Hook cocktail is a well-balanced mix of sweet, bitter, and strong flavors. It has a rich, velvety texture with a hint of spice from the rye whiskey, and a pleasant bitterness from the Punt e Mes and maraschino liqueur.
The 1910 cocktail offers a harmonious blend of smoky, sweet, and bitter flavors. The mezcal provides a smoky base, while the Cognac adds depth and warmth. The maraschino liqueur imparts a subtle cherry sweetness, and the Punt e Mes contributes a bitter vermouth complexity. The Peychaud's bitters tie everything together with its anise and floral notes, resulting in a well-rounded and sophisticated drink.
