SIGNATURE SIPS BY ROBIN SCHEMPP Nothing is hotter for keeping us cool than agave-based tequila and mezcal. Light and white blancos offer the ultimate refreshment and maximum mixability, while reposado, añejo and farm- specific mezcals suggest the flavor that comes from their age-old method and makers. From riffs on the bestselling Margarita to fruity but balanced concoctions like this one, tequila is a must for modern menus featuring sunny summer cocktails infused with flavor and appeal. This is a perfect cocktail to reimagine as a tall, crushed- ice, agua-fresca-style boat drink or as a premium frozen concoction. Silver or blanco tequila is recommended to keep this drink extra-light, although blending in gold or añejo takes it to another dimension. Furthermore, a mezcal float would add value, depth and an exotic, masculine flair and flavor. TEQUILA Watermelon is a favored MOCKINGBIRD refresher, especially 2 oz. fresh watermelon juice when combined with the ½ oz. fresh lime juice on-trend addition of salt, which elevates the flavor and 1 ½ oz. silver tequila character of the melon. Try 1 oz. Suze aperitif cantaloupe, honeydew or a local Kosher salt & butcher grind black seasonal variety for a similar effect. pepper Watermelon wedge Complex Suze lends density to this summer sipper with its Build in mixing glass and shake with herbaceous, slightly bitter vermouth-like fortification. Many ice. Strain into ice-filled glass with modifying spirits can reflect their own spirit on this base salt-and-pepper rim. Garnish with drink as well—try Lillet, Dubonnet or various vermouths or watermelon wedge. botanical or floral liqueurs like ginger or elderflower. SHARON PIENIAK SHARON 82 FLAVOR & THE MENU July/August 2015 GetFlavor.com.