I don’t much care for the name of this drink, something about it just doesn’t sit right, but they did not call on me for help, so it is what it is, as they say. I suppose there are a lot of things in the world that would be different if I had been consulted, but I wasn’t, so some things aren’t as good as they could be and I guess some are better. Either way, we are gonna have to learn to live with that. I suppose we could take the sting out of things with a drink, so won’t you join me now as we stand and make the Mexicillin.

Seems to me, The Mezcalcillin or Oaxacan Medicine would be more apropos, for this riff on the classic Penicillin, but the proprietor and creator of this drink over at Wulf Cocktail Den, liked the word play between this and the penicillin derived antibiotic Amoxicillin, so who am I to judge? I get it, riffs on riffs, circles within circles, windmills in your mind and all that. I’m a fan of the original though, and it’s many variations including the Vesta, Hot Penicillin and its icy counterpoint, the Penichillin. I’m also a big fan of smoky mezcal, so let’s give this one a whirl and see how things shake out.

Grab your tins and pop in 2 ounces of Tequila, I chose Kah Añejo; 1/2 an ounce of ginger liqueur, I went with Domaine de Canton; 3/4 of an ounce of honey syrup and 1/2 an ounce of freshly squeezed lime juice. Give that a good shake to the beat of Prince’s “I Would Die 4 U” only go for the awesome cover by California punk band, Mariachi El Bronx from the Purplish Rain tribute album. When well chilled, strain into a coupe, something handblown. Grab your barspoon and slowly pour 1/4 ounce of mezcal, I chose Vida del Maguey, over the back to float it on top of the drink. Garnish with a dehydrated lime and some candied ginger on a pick.

I like it. I’d probably dial back the honey some, it’s a bit sweet for my taste. The smoke works though. I should have chosen a less assertive tequila, there’s no hiding that Kah, but how could you not choose that bottle off the shelf? It’s a good addition to the menu and a totally suitable sipper for this Cinco de Mayo.

So, I’d probably change the name and yes with some of the ratios, but I like it. See, that’s why I don’t get consulted on the big things. Too opinionated, too ready to change it all on the chance that we might do better. I’ll give you that. I am wrong at least as much as I am right. To be fair, I spend an awful lot of time thinking about how to make things better or at least more equitable, so when asked, I can give an informed and considered opinion. That’s more than you get from most of the folks making big decisions on your behalf and there’s got to be something said for that. Stay safe, stay hydrated and stay sane, my friends.