Los Altos

The Los Altos is a refreshing libation with a smokey undertone.  Created by Dave Molyneaux, this mixture of blanco tequila, mezcal, pineapple juice, lime juice, and simple syrup is served “tall” in a Collins glass and lengthened with club soda to give it some fizz.  If you’ve never used mezcal before, it is often described as ‘smoky tequila’ and can quickly become overpowering if not used with restraint.  Although tequila is admittedly a more popular alcohol, technically speaking, tequila is merely a type of mezcal.  Nevertheless, this duo is wonderfully complimentary of both the sweetness of the pineapple juice and the tartness of the lime juice.  Because this libation has a citrus component, conventional wisdom dictates that you shake the ingredients to incorporate them, however, to avoid unnecessary explosions, it is important to note that club soda should be added directly to the glass and not into the shaker.  As previously mentioned, the Los Altos is served “tall” in a highball or Collins glass with pineapple leaves peaking from the top.  However, if “tall” is not your style, there’s absolutely nothing wrong with using a rocks glass.  But don’t take my word for it, make one and try it yourself!

Los Altos

In your shaker, combine simple syrup, lime juice, pineapple juice, mezcal, and blanco tequila.

• 0.5 oz of Simple Syrup

• 0.5 oz of Lime Juice

• 1.5 oz of Pineapple Juice

• 0.5 oz of Mezcal

• 1.5 oz of Blanco Tequila

• 1 oz of Club Soda (to top)

Add ice to your shaker and shake until it develops a frost.  Double-strain the contents (by pouring them from the shaker through a fine mesh strainer) into your Collins glass over ice and top with club soda.  Garnish with pineapple leaves.