Smoky Venetian Sour

Sidecar/New Orleans Sours & Riffs September 16, 2026

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A photo of the Smoky Venetian Sour cocktail containing Del Maguey Vida Mezcal, Aperol Aperitivo, Luxardo Maraschino Liqueur, Freshly squeezed lime juice in a Coupe.

Other Ingredients

  • 0.75 fl oz Freshly squeezed lime juice

Directions

  • Chill coupe glass
  • Add all ingredients to cocktail shaker
  • Add ice to shaker
  • Shake vigorously
  • Strain into chilled coupe glass
  • Express grapefruit zest twist over drink and drop into glass

Cocktail Description

This isn't your typical sunset sipper—it's a bold collision of smoke, bitter citrus, and cherry sweetness that somehow lands in perfect balance.

The Smoky Venetian Sour brings together Del Maguey Vida mezcal's signature char with Aperol's bitter orange brightness and Luxardo maraschino's almond-like depth, all brightened by fresh lime juice. The result tastes like an Italian aperitivo that took a detour through Oaxaca—smoky and earthy up front, then blooming into bittersweet citrus with a whisper of cherry on the finish. It's surprisingly refreshing despite its complexity, making it ideal for those twilight hours when you want something more interesting than another Negroni but just as conversation-worthy. The drink shakes up easily enough for home bartenders who can handle measuring ingredients accurately, though finding quality mezcal and maraschino liqueur might require a trip to a well-stocked liquor store. Serve this before dinner alongside Spanish marcona almonds, aged manchego, or grilled octopus—anything with char or smoke will echo the mezcal beautifully. That grapefruit zest twist isn't just decoration; give it a good twist over the glass to release its oils, adding a final aromatic layer that ties the whole thing together.

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