Cocktail recipe

Illegal

Illegal pairs Mezcal with Jamaican overproof rum, Falernum, and Maraschino Liqueur for a bright, sharply balanced cocktail with a clean finish.

Cocktail List 5 minutes
About measurement options
Metric (ml)
Volumes are shown in millilitres or litres.
US (fl oz, cups and spoons)
Uses US fluid ounces, cups and spoons. 1 US fl oz ≈ 29.57 ml.
Imperial (UK and Canada)
The UK and Canada share the imperial fluid ounce. 1 imperial fl oz ≈ 28.41 ml. Small volumes are shown in ml.
Bar (parts and dashes)
On CocktailFun, 1 part = 30 ml. Dashes stay as dashes. Very small volumes may be shown in ml.
Illegal

Description

Mezcal smoke leads, backed by the ripe-fruit funk of Jamaican overproof rum. Falernum brings warm spice, maraschino adds a cherry-stone note and lime cuts through both. The Illegal is a good next move from a smoky sour when you want more rum character and tiki spice.

Ingredients

  • 30 ml Mezcal
  • 15 ml Jamaican overproof rum
  • 15 ml Falernum
  • 15 ml Maraschino Liqueur
  • 20 ml lime juice
  • 10 ml Sugar syrup
  • Ice

Equipment needed

Cocktail Shaker – Used to chill, dilute and integrate the cocktail before serving. Fine Mesh Strainer – Use for a polished double-strain when citrus, fruit or herbs are shaken.

Instructions

  1. Add the liquid ingredients to a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
  2. Shake hard for 12 to 15 seconds until the drink is properly chilled.
  3. Fine strain into the prepared glass over fresh ice or served straight up.
  4. Garnish to echo the main flavour and serve immediately.

Recommended glassware

Coupe Glass
Coupe Glass (Recommended)

An elegant stemmed glass for shaken or stirred cocktails served up.

120–240 ml Stemmed glass with a broad shallow bowl.

Best for: Daiquiri, Sidecar, Manhattan served up, Gimlet, Clover Club.

Garnish: Great for expressed citrus peels, cherries, and small edible flowers.

Highball Glass
Highball Glass

A tall everyday glass for mixed drinks with ice and a longer pour.

Useful alternative if the primary glass is not available.

240–350 ml Tall cylindrical shape with room for ice and mixer.

Best for: Moscow Mule, Dark and Stormy, Scotch Highball, Rum and Coke, Mojito variations.

Garnish: Good for wedges, spears, herbs, and long-drink garnishes.

Quick facts

5 minutes Easy Approx. 16% ABV 0.3 alcohol units 255 kcal Fresh ice
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