Medicina Latina Cocktail Recipe

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Medicina Latina Nutrition Facts

Calories:200

Fat:0g

Protein:0g

Carbohydrates:20g

Alcohol:15%

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 Medicina Latina is a cocktail that embodies the vibrant spirit of Latin America, with its rich flavors and cultural heritage. It's a drink that's perfect for those who appreciate the complexity of tequila and the smoky undertones of mezcal.

  • Origins The cocktail is a modern creation, inspired by the classic use of tequila in Mexican cocktails and the growing popularity of mezcal worldwide.
  • Popularity It has become a favorite among aficionados of agave spirits and those looking for a cocktail with depth and character.
  • Audience Ideal for those who enjoy bold, zesty flavors with a hint of sweetness and a smoky finish.

How Medicina Latina Tastes?

The Medicina Latina offers a complex flavor profile. It's refreshingly sour from the lime juice, with a sweet and spicy kick from the honey and ginger syrups. The tequila provides a strong, earthy base, while the mezcal adds a subtle smoky note to the finish.

Interesting facts about Medicina Latina

  • The cocktail's name, 'Medicina Latina', suggests a remedy or a cure, playing on the idea that a good drink can be just what the doctor ordered.
  • Mezcal was once less known outside of Mexico, but has gained international fame, making it a trendy addition to modern cocktails.
  • Honey syrup is a healthier alternative to simple syrup, adding natural sweetness along with the benefits of honey.

Ingredients

A few good options for Medicina Latina are:

  • Brockmans
  • Silent Pool Gin
  • Hendrick's Gin

Learn everything on which Gin to choose

Blanco Tequila

  • Why? It's the backbone of the drink, providing a bright and clear agave flavor that pairs well with the sharpness of lime. Too much? Overpowers the subtle flavors. Too little? It'll taste weak. Alternative: Reposado tequila for a smoother, oaky twist.

Emma Rose

Lime Juice

  • Why? Adds necessary acidity that balances the sweetness and rounds out the flavor. No lime juice? The cocktail becomes cloying. Alternative: Lemon juice for a different type of citrus kick.

Alex Green

Honey Syrup

  • Why? It brings a floral sweetness that complements the ginger's spice and tequila's vegetal tones. Wrong proportions? Your drink might be too sweet or too sharp. Alternative: Agave syrup to stay within the agave theme.

Mary Mitkina

Ginger Syrup

  • Why? Offers a warm, spicy kick that stands up to the robust flavors of the tequila. Skip it? You'll miss out on the signature 'medicinal' quality. Alternative: Muddled fresh ginger for more spice and less sweetness.

Emma Rose

Mezcal

  • Why? A hint of smokiness gives depth and complexity to the drink. Alternative: A dash of liquid smoke if you can't find mezcal.

Alex Green

Candied Ginger

  • Why? Provides a sweet, spicy chew and an aromatic finish. No garnish? You lose an element of surprise and texture. Alternative: A lime wheel for a zesty garnish.

Mary Mitkina

Recipe. How to make Medicina Latina Drink

  1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
  2. Add the blanco tequila, lime juice, honey syrup, and ginger syrup to the shaker.
  3. Shake vigorously until well chilled.
  4. Strain the mixture into an ice-filled short glass, over a single large ice cube or sphere if available.
  5. Carefully float the mezcal on top of the drink.
  6. Garnish with a piece of candied ginger or a twist of lemon on the rim of the glass.

Pro Tips

  • For an extra touch of smoke, use a smokier mezcal.
  • Chill the glass beforehand to keep the cocktail colder for longer.
  • When floating the mezcal, pour it over the back of a spoon to achieve a perfect layer.

Perfect Pairings

Seafood

  • Grilled shrimp or calamari: The zesty lime and the smoky mezcal underscore will complement seafood’s natural sweetness.

Spicy Dishes

  • Tacos al Pastor: The cocktail's acidity and sweetness can cut through the fat and balance the spiciness.

Desserts

  • Chocolate-based desserts: The ginger in the cocktail offers a spicy note that pairs well with the bitterness of dark chocolate.

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What you could change in Medicina Latina

  • Tequila: If blanco tequila is not available, reposado or añejo tequila can be used for a richer flavor.
  • Honey Syrup: Agave nectar can be substituted for a more traditional Mexican sweetener.
  • Ginger Syrup: Homemade ginger syrup can be made by simmering fresh ginger with water and sugar.

Explore all drinks starting with M here

And of course - twists🍹

Smoky Honey Bee

  • Ingredients: Add a smoky twist with 0.75oz of mezcal in place of blanco tequila.
  • Recipe: Follow the base recipe, but with more mezcal for a deeper smokiness.
  • Taste: Expect a more pronounced smoky profile perfect for a chilly evening by the fire.

Spiced Pineapple Express

  • Ingredients: Add pineapple juice and use chili-infused honey syrup.
  • Recipe: Mix 1oz of pineapple juice and 0.75oz chili-infused honey syrup with the original ingredients.
  • Taste: Sweet, tropical with a hint of heat; a vacation in a glass!

Herbal Remedy

  • Ingredients: Include fresh mint and swap honey syrup for simple syrup.
  • Recipe: Muddle mint in the shaker before adding the other ingredients and replace honey syrup with simple syrup.
  • Taste: A fresher, more herbaceous quality with a simpler sweetness; perfect for when you're feeling under the weather.

In case you forgot basics how to make Medicina Latina

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 shake

Place 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.

Learn everything on how to strain

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 Medicina Latina

What glassware is recommended for serving the Medicina Latina cocktail?

A short glass, such as an Old Fashioned or rocks glass, is ideal for serving the Medicina Latina.

Can the Medicina Latina be batched for parties?

Yes, you can combine the tequila, lime juice, honey syrup, and ginger syrup in larger quantities and keep the mixture chilled. Just add the mezcal float and garnish before serving individual glasses.

What is the shelf life of syrups used in the Medicina Latina?

Commercial syrups usually have a shelf life printed on the bottle. Homemade syrups can last up to a month if refrigerated in airtight containers.

How should I store mezcal properly after opening?

Store mezcal in a cool, dark place with the bottle cap tightly sealed to maintain its flavor and prevent evaporation.

Is the honey syrup in the Medicina Latina cocktail vegan-friendly?

Standard honey syrup is not vegan as honey comes from bees. However, vegans can substitute it with agave nectar or a syrup made from plant-based sweeteners.

Do the flavors in the Medicina Latina cocktail change with different types of ice?

Yes, larger ice cubes or spheres melt more slowly and dilute the cocktail less over time, maintaining a stronger flavor.

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