Dandelion Chandelier’s Luxury Dish is an occasional series featuring original recipes and their origin stories from our Luminaries, Fireflies, friends, families, and team of far-flung correspondents. They’re guaranteed to add sparkle to any menu.
This contribution is from our Luminary Alex Stupak, Chef and Founder of restaurant group Empellón, which includes Empellón Midtown (named one of the Best New Restaurants in New York City in 2017 by New York Magazine, and a finalist for the 2018 James Beard Award for Best New Restaurant); Al Pastor in the East Village; and Empellón Taqueria in the West Village. You won’t find a better expert on food that is informed by the traditions of Mexico but not “traditional.” Hailed by New York Magazine as “hyper-talented,” Chef Alex agreed to share the recipe for a cocktail that’s perfect for your next soiree – especially if there will be financiers in attendance.
“This cocktail seizes on the current love affair with Ginger Beer. Just a few years ago this was a hard to find ingredient, now it’s stocked in nearly every grocery store.
We use Cachaça (Brazilian cane spirit), and combine it with bitter Campari and the off-dry styled LeJay Cassis. It’s easy to make this at a home bar and the ingredients are readily available from any good liquor retailer.
We named this drink after a financial term used to describe a type of trade that involves using the funds of the broker rather than the actual investor, such a trade is often referred to as The Devil’s Margin. When moving into our midtown location we were inspired to name a cocktail that would resonate with some of our guests who operate in the financial world from 9 to 5. We also wanted to refer to the Devil, as there exists a classic tequila cocktail that involves Cassis and Ginger Beer. We are making a roundabout reference to that classic cocktail form as well.”
The Devil’s Margin Cocktail at Empellon Midtown
The Devil’s Margin Cocktail, courtesy of Chef Alex Stupak
Ingredients:
1½ oz. Avua Cachaça Prata
½ oz. LeJay Cassis
¼ oz. Campari
¾ oz. Fresh Lime Juice
Top with Ginger Beer
Method:
Combine All Ingredients EXCEPT Ginger Beer, Shake and Strain Over Fresh Ice
Glassware:
Collins
Garnish:
Lime Wheel + Candied Ginger
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