In 2012, Mexican-born, Vancouver-based jockey Mario Gutierrez won the Kentucky Derby, an international event that has propelled its signature cocktail, the mint julep, to worldwide fame. As a nod to Mario’s achievement, “The Gutierrez” is a Mexican-inspired twist on the classic mint julep. Mezcal and Xocolatl Mole Bitters accent the Julep’s traditional mint and bourbon profile with a smoky chocolate finish.
INGREDIENTS
Chocolate Liqueur
5 oz. cocoa nibs
1 oz. Fee Brothers Black Walnut Bitters
5 cinnamon sticks
6 open vanilla bean pods
13 oz. Lambs 151-proof Navy Rum
Cocktail
2 oz. Bulliet Bourbon
0.5 oz. Fidencio Clasico Mezcal
0.5 oz. Chocolate Liqueur
2 dashes Bittermens Xocolatl Mole Bitters
Garnish
Powdered icing sugar
Mint sprig
METHOD
Chocolate Liquer
Combine ingredients in a jar and let stand overnight. Strain.
Cocktail
Lightly slap the mint sprig and wash the inside of a cocktail coupe or small tumbler with the mint sprig. Rim the glass with powdered sugar. Place the mint sprig back in the cocktail glass. In a mixing glass, combine bourbon, mezcal, chocolate liqueur, and bitters. Stir with ice to taste.
TO SERVE
Pour the mixture into the cocktail glass over the mint sprig.
This year’s Deighton Cup at Hastings Racecourse hosted the Julep, a mixology competition. Some of Vancouver’s best cocktail-wielding establishments were tasked with creating an original interpretation of the classic mint julep cocktail featuring Bulleit Bourbon and using no more than five ingredients. Judged by Jay Jones, Mark Brand, Bulleit Bourbon’s Peter Thomasen, and Sandra O’Connell of Tales from a Bar Stool, contestants were evaluated based on presentation and technique, taste and balance, use of featured spirit, and general mixology knowledge. The Gutierrez Cocktail by Clough Club‘s Sean McGuigan won first place.
