At La Villa Bonita Culinary Vacations, we have our own environment for cooking in the beautiful open-air kitchen surrounded by the Tepozteco valley. It is not chef hats and stainless steel. It is a family environment where I was taught how to cook with my mother, aunts, and grandmother. It is a communal environment where we cook, laugh, share stories, . . . and have a few cocktails. Traditional dishes are prepared as a family in Mexico and the kitchen is a wonderful environment to come together. That is what you can expect at La Villa Bonita – to be a part of the family.
Every day at La Villa Bonita you can learn a new signature cocktail from my creations or inspired by my travels in Mexico. One of our favorites with guests at La Villa Bonita Culinary Vacation is called Ancho Verde Sour. It is made with Ancho Reyes Verde, a liquor made from the Poblano Chile. This liquor adds a nice acidic green chile flavor that is very distinct and perfect for cocktail creativity. You can now get this liquor outside of Mexico and it should be a staple in your bar as you add creative drinks.
This cocktail is inspired by a Xolixpa Sour cocktail that I had at Moyuelo, one of my favorite restaurants in Puebla, where they have a great collection of fabulous cocktails as well as a fabulous modern Mexican menu.
Ancho Verde Sour (makes about 3 servings)
1/2 cup of Ancho Reyes Verde Liquor
1/2 cup fresh lime juice
1/2 cup simple syrup
1 Egg White
Dehydrated Grapefruit (optional for garnish)
Sugared/Powdered Ginger Candy (optional for garnish)
Toasted Sesame Seeds (optional for garnish)
Take all liquids and the egg white and blend to a froth in a blender. Add to a martini shaker with ice and shake. Pour into a chilled martini glass and add the dehydrated grapefruit as well as a sprinkle of the ginger candy and sesame seeds.
