Belles Beach House Main Squeeze tropical cocktail

Main Squeeze From Belles Beach House

Recipe: Julien Calella , Belles Beach House , Venice, California

Photo: Jakob Layman

May 17, 2023

A mezcal refresher that fuels vacation vibes.

With this mezcal cocktail, beverage director Julien Calella of Belles Beach House in Venice, California, fuels vacation vibes. Orgeat and Thai basil lay down a rich and herbaceous base that’s brightened with fresh cucumber and citrus.

Ingredients

1 1/2 oz. mezcal
3/4 oz. fresh lime juice
3/4 oz. Thai basil syrup
1/4 oz. orgeat
2 cucumber slices

Tools:shaker, strainer
Glass:double rocks
Garnish:3 cucumber slices

Preparation

Add all of the ingredients to the shaker and shake for 8-12 seconds until well chilled. Strain into glass over ice. Garnish.

Thai Basil SyrupIn a blender, add 2 parts of Thai basil and 5 parts of cold water. Blend until smooth, then strain through a cheesecloth into a container. Add equal parts sugar to the basil water by volume. Stir until the sugar is dissolved and the consistency is even. Will keep in the refrigerator for 2 weeks.