When I learned the theme was punk and that Mr. Black would be the spotlight liqueur, I immediately began thinking about how to create a cocktail that felt truly subversive. My first instinct was to make an espresso martini, but instead of following that obvious inclination, I opted for something unexpected – a refreshing coffee margarita. A margarita typically features tequila, orange liqueur, agave, lime juice, and a rim of choice. I knew I could incorporate Mr. Black coffee liqueur by complementing it with a reposado tequila, bringing in caramel notes that would enhance the coffee’s depth. To round out the flavor profile, I chose a cherry vanilla agave, which subtly tied into the coffee’s richness, while lime juice and orange bitters brought back that bright, fresh zing of a traditional margarita. I rimmed the glass with kosher salt, and orange zest to cut through any sweetness, adding a final touch of balance. The result? The Mr. Black Flag- named after a punk rock band from California in the 70’s and Mr. Black Coffee liqueur- combines the edgy spirit of punk with the complex flavors of coffee, creating a cocktail that’s bold, unexpected, and hopefully unforgettable.
– Mel Lopez from Meld Mobile Bar. Find her on insta, @meld.bar
Mr. Black Flag
1.5 oz tequila reposado
1oz Mr. Black Coffee Liqueur
.75 cherry vanilla agave
.5 oz lime juice
2 dashes orange bitters
Orange zest kosher salt on rim
A note from the Judges: We found the Black Flag comfortably sweet with enough coffee flavor to keep you awake, and well balanced with its citrus elements.
