Mixlio
Illegal
Mezcal and overproof rum with falernum, maraschino and lime. Smoke, spice and sourness pulling in three directions.
- Base
- Mezcal
- Glass
- Coupe glass
- Method
- Shake
- Strength
- 18% ABV
Ingredients
- 30 mlEspadin Mezcal
15 mlJamaica Overproof White Rum1 swap
Standard-proof white rummediumNoticeably weaker and less funky
Pour 20 ml instead of 15 ml to keep the strength
- 15 mlFalernum
1 bar spoonMaraschino Luxardo1 swap
A dry cherry liqueurlowLess nutty
22.5 mlFresh Lime Juice1 swap
Fresh lemon juicemediumSlightly less floral, more tart
15 mlSimple Syrup1 swap
Sugar syrup or agavehighLittle change
- few dropsEgg White optional
How to make
Shaking chills the drink fast while adding dilution and a light texture.
- Pour all ingredients into the shaker.
- Shake vigorously with ice.
- Strain into a chilled cocktail glass, or “on the rocks” in a traditional clay or terracotta mug.
Serve
Taste & nutrition
Estimated from ingredient amounts and assumed ABVs — not a lab measurement.
Good to know
- Dry-shake without ice first to build the foam, then shake again with ice.
- Use freshly squeezed juice — bottled tastes flat.
History
Samuele Ambrosi devised the Illegal in Italy in the late 1990s, layering mezcal and overproof rum with falernum, maraschino, lime and a touch of egg white. Smoky, spiced and complex, it reflects the era's growing fascination with agave spirits. The provocative name matched its rule-breaking blend of styles. It has become a cult favourite among mezcal drinkers.
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