Night Awakening

A mystical color-changing cocktail that transforms from midnight blue to royal purple, featuring butterfly pea flower gin, smoky mezcal, and honey-sage syrup. This mesmerizing serve celebrates transformation with each pour, as citrus awakens both its colors and complex flavors.

Ingredients

  • 1½ oz mezcal (Del Maguey Vida recommended)

  • 1 oz butterfly pea flower-infused gin

  • ¾ oz honey-sage syrup

  • ¾ oz fresh lemon juice

  • 2 dashes orange bitters

  • Rosemary sprig for garnish

  • Dehydrated lemon wheel for garnish

For the Honey-Sage Syrup

  • 1 cup light honey

  • 1 cup filtered water

  • 8 fresh sage leaves

For the Butterfly Pea Flower Gin

  • 750ml London Dry gin

  • 2 tablespoons dried butterfly pea flowers

Instructions

Prepare the Honey-Sage Syrup

  1. Combine honey and water in a saucepan over low heat

  2. Stir until honey dissolves completely

  3. Add sage leaves

  4. Remove from heat and let steep for 20 minutes

  5. Strain and bottle

  6. Store refrigerated for up to 2 weeks

Prepare the Butterfly Pea Gin

  1. Add dried butterfly pea flowers to gin

  2. Let infuse for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally

  3. Strain through fine mesh strainer

  4. Strain again through coffee filter

  5. Store in dark bottle

Craft the Cocktail

  1. Add mezcal, infused gin, honey-sage syrup, and bitters to mixing glass

  2. Add ice and stir for 30-40 revolutions (approximately 15-20 seconds)

  3. Strain over large clear ice cube in rocks glass

  4. Present cocktail in its blue state

  5. Pour lemon juice over top to create color transformation

  6. Garnish with rosemary sprig and dehydrated lemon wheel

Glassware

Crystal rocks glass or double old fashioned glass

Notes

  • For optimal color change, ensure all ingredients are properly chilled

  • Use fresh lemon juice only; bottled juice won't create the same effect

  • Clear ice is recommended for best presentation

  • The cocktail will transform from deep blue to royal purple when citrus is added

Storage

  • Honey-sage syrup keeps refrigerated for 2 weeks

  • Infused gin keeps for up to 3 months when stored in a dark bottle

  • Always shake infused gin before using