The Day of the Dead Tequila Version of “Ashes to Ashes” is a 2010 cocktail created by H. Joseph Ehrmann of Elixir bar in San Francisco. It was part of a series of Espolón Tequila recipes themed around DÃa de los Muertos.
Concept and Inspiration
The drink honours the multicultural blending of Aztec/Mexican and Spanish traditions that shaped DÃa de los Muertos. It pairs Mexican ingredients (reposado tequila and agave) with Spanish ones (Pedro Ximénez sherry) and finishes with cinnamon “ashes” as a symbolic garnish. The result is a citrusy, chocolatey, slightly nutty, and warming sour cocktail.
Ingredients (Original)
- 1½ oz (45 ml) reposado tequila (Espolón recommended, but any good reposado works)
- ½ oz (15 ml) Pedro Ximénez (PX) sherry — a sweet, raisin-like fortified wine
- 1 oz (30 ml) fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp sweetened cocoa mix (or ~¾ tsp unsweetened cocoa powder + ¼ tsp sugar)
- ¼ oz (7–8 ml) agave nectar
- Garnish: Pinch or dusting of ground cinnamon (the “ashes”)
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to a shaker.
- Fill with ice and shake well for about 10 seconds.
- Double strain into a chilled cocktail glass (coupe or martini-style).
- Garnish with a light dusting of cinnamon on top.
Flavour Profile
Expect bright acidity from the lemon, rounded sweetness and dried-fruit notes from the PX sherry, earthy chocolate from the cocoa, and the agave’s subtle floral honeyed character. The reposado tequila adds vanilla, oak, and mild spice, while the cinnamon garnish ties it together with warm baking-spice aroma. It’s balanced, not overly sweet, and evocative of Mexican hot chocolate with a boozy, tart twist.
Tips and Variations
- Cocoa mix: Use a high-quality unsweetened cocoa and adjust sugar to taste if you prefer less sweetness. Some bartenders dissolve the cocoa in a bit of warm water first to avoid clumps.
- Sherry substitute: If PX is unavailable, a sweet oloroso or East India Solera can approximate it.
- Scaling: Easy to batch for parties — just shake individual servings fresh.
- Modern twists sometimes add a pinch of salt or a float of mezcal for extra smoke to enhance the “ashes” theme.
This version stands out among other “Ashes to Ashes” cocktails for its elegant, historical nod rather than dramatic visuals like ash rims or smoke. It’s a great choice for fall, winter, or DÃa de los Muertos celebrations.
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