Sours · Mezcal · IBA official
Smoke from the mezcal, ripe banana and pineapple funk from the Jamaican rum, clove and lime from the falernum. A few drops of egg white give it a silky texture that ties the bold flavours together.
1 oz
mezcal an espadín mezcale.g. Del Maguey · Montelobos · Ilegal · Vida · 400 Conejos
½ oz
overproof rum white Jamaican overproofe.g. Wray & Nephew · Bacardi 151 · Plantation · Stroh
½ oz
falernum
¾ oz
lime juice
½ oz
simple syrup
1 bar spoon
maraschino liqueure.g. Luxardo · Maraska · Lazzaroni
3 drop
egg white a few drops, for texture (optional)
Garnish: None · Ice: Served up, no ice
Illegal
Smoky and tart with tropical fruit, clove and almond spice from the falernum and a hint of cherry. Silky, bold and fairly strong.
The Illegal is a product of the modern craft cocktail era, when bartenders began pairing mezcal with other spirits and with ingredients from tiki drinks. Its combination of mezcal, Jamaican rum and falernum reflects that trend.
Published details on the drink's creator vary, so it is best described simply as a contemporary sour from the 21st century bar scene. The IBA lists the Illegal among its New Era Drinks, the category for modern drinks that have found a place in bars internationally.
A Caribbean syrup or low-strength liqueur flavoured with lime, clove, ginger and almond, common in tiki drinks.
Yes, but you lose the smoke that defines the drink. Blanco tequila makes it lighter and fresher.
Fairly strong, thanks to the overproof rum. Expect around 18% ABV in the glass.
The perfect sound
Smoky, bold and a little rebellious.
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