Spicy Bits of Tangy Love

People may argue about what defines our new golden era of cocktails, but one thing is for certain: The new twists on drinks are forcing mixologists to design some creative new concoctions.

We spent an evening visiting one of Austin’s most talked about new joints—the East Side Showroom. The venue has live music, features a prohibition-style dining room, boasts an incredible bar selection, and showcases cool metal art work created by owner Mickie Danae Spencer. So, yes, it’s confirmed: this place is rad.

Mixologist Justin Mork guided us through a smokey Mezcal drink that will leave you wanting another sip to cure the heat that it put on your tongue.

1 1/2 oz Mezcal 1/2 lime 3/4 fresh ruby Texas grapefruit juice 1/4 simple syrup 1/2 Aperol 3-4 dashes bad dog “fire & damnation” bitters shaken & strained over ice sink 1/4 oz Cynar to the bottom garnish with large grapefruit peel