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The Underground Affair Mezcal Cocktail

The Underground Affair: East Village Spirit in a Glass

Chris Posted on August 20 2025

Ingredients:

  1. 1/2 oz Gochujang Syrup (recipe below!)
  2. 4 fresh cherry tomatoes
  3. 1 oz fresh lime juice
  4. 2 oz Mezcalum
  5. Garnish: Salt rim (we love Bartesian Sizzle Salt for an extra kick!)
  6. Garnish: 1 cherry tomato

Gochujang Syrup:

  1. 25g gochujang (Korean chili paste)
  2. 100g granulated sugar
  3. 100g water

Gochujang Syrup Instructions:

  1. Combine all gochujang, sugar, and water in a small saucepan.
  2. Heat over medium-low heat, stirring constantly until the sugar is fully dissolved and the mixture is well combined. Do not boil.
  3. Remove from heat and let cool completely.
  4. Strain the syrup through a fine-mesh sieve into an airtight container to remove any solids. This will give you a smooth, vibrant syrup. Store in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.

Instructions for The Underground Affair:

  1. Prepare Your Glass: Take a rocks glass and moisten one side of the rim with a lime wedge. Dip the moistened side into your chosen salt (like Bartesian Sizzle Salt!) to create a striking half-rim. Set aside.
  2. Muddle the Magic: In a cocktail shaker, add your homemade Gochujang Syrup, fresh lime juice, and 4 cherry tomatoes. Muddle them gently but firmly to break down the tomatoes and release their juicy, sweet-savory essence.
  3. Shake & Chill: Add 2 oz of Mezcalum to the shaker, along with a generous scoop of ice. Secure the lid and shake vigorously until the mixture is thoroughly chilled – usually about 15-20 seconds.
  4. Double Strain & Serve: Place a fine-mesh strainer over your prepared rocks glass. Pour the contents of the shaker through the strainer, ensuring a smooth, pulp-free liquid.
  5. Garnish: Crown your "Underground Affair" with a fresh cherry tomato on the rim or a small skewer.

 

Dive into the raw, exhilarating essence of the East Village with "The Underground Affair." This cocktail is our vibrant, gritty, and flavor-packed ode to one of NYC's most iconic neighborhoods, brought to life with the unparalleled depth of Mezcalum.

What's the Story Behind The Underground Affair?

The East Village isn't just a place; it's a feeling. It's the gritty artistic spirit, the vibrant street art, the unexpected flavors lurking around every corner. "The Underground Affair" is our liquid homage to that energy. We wanted to craft a cocktail that felt as unexpected and exciting as discovering a new favorite spot in the East Village – bold, a little bit mysterious, and undeniably full of life. The umami kick from the gochujang, the fresh sweetness of the tomato, and the robust character of Mezcalum come together to tell that story in every sip.

How Does Mezcalum Elevate This Unique Cocktail?

This isn't your average spicy margarita. "The Underground Affair" demands a spirit with character, and that's where Mezcalum truly shines. While some may reach for tequila, our mezcal provides a profound depth, a subtle smokiness, and an earthy backbone that perfectly complements the complex flavors of gochujang and fresh tomato. Mezcalum is crafted from a meticulously curated selection of Espadin and the rare wild Cuishe agave, grown in the high altitudes of Oaxaca. Our commitment to zero carbs, zero sugar, and zero additives ensures a clean, pure base that allows the innovative flavors of this cocktail to sing. It’s this dedication to authentic, all-natural, artisanal production that makes our take on a savory cocktail genuinely one-of-a-kind. Explore the world of Mezcalum at Mezcalum.com and taste the difference.

Why Is Mezcalum the Ultimate Choice for Bold Cocktails?

At Mezcalum, we embody the rich heritage of mezcal and time-honored Mexican traditions. Our Maestro Mezcalero, Carlos Méndez Blas, guides every step, from selecting agave hearts at their peak to roasting, fermenting, and distilling them using artisanal methods passed down through his family for nearly a century in their palenques in Santiago de Matatlán. This unwavering dedication to quality, natural ingredients, and ancestral wisdom results in a mezcal that is non-GMO, vegan, and incredibly versatile. It’s the perfect spirit for crafting a cocktail as adventurous and flavorful as "The Underground Affair."

 

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