At first glance, El Pepe might look like just another mezcal cocktail, but one sip says otherwise. Created by Shelley Lindgren of A16 Rockridge, this complex sipper layers smoky mezcal with alpine génépy, fresh lemon, basil, and a thin slice of Fresno chili for just the right amount of intrigue. Think of it as a Margarita’s edgier cousin – bright and balanced, but with a deep, herbal backbone that takes things in a new direction.
While mezcal leads the charge, it’s the supporting cast that makes this drink sing. Génépy lends subtle mountain herb notes, while basil and pepper bring a garden-fresh complexity that blends surprisingly well with mezcal’s vegetal smokiness. A few dashes of bitters round things out, and the result is a bold, layered cocktail that’s both summer-ready and totally unexpected.
