The inspiration for Christine Wiseman’s Agave Gracias cocktail started with piloncillo, a rich, unrefined cane sugar from Latin America. In her Old-Fashioned variation, she adds Braulio for its “rich, refreshing, bitter backbone” and rounds out the Latin American inspiration with mezcal. “I love to work with amari because of the complexity of each one,” says Wiseman. “By simply adding a half-ounce of amaro to a cocktail, you can completely change the vibe and energy of the drink.”
Agave Gracias
Christine Wiseman | Los Angeles

Ingredients
Serving: 1
- 1 ounce Braulio
- 1 ounce mezcal
- 1/4 ounce crème de cassis
- 1/2 ounce piloncillo syrup (see Editor's Note)
Garnish: grapefruit twist
Directions
- Combine all ingredients in a mixing glass filled with ice and stir until chilled.
- Strain into an Old-Fashioned glass over one large ice cube or several smaller ice cubes.
- Garnish with a grapefruit twist.
Editor's Note
Piloncillo Syrup
1 cup piloncillo cones (rough-chopped)
1 cup water
In a medium saucepan, add the chopped pilconcillo cones to the water and bring to a boil, stirring to incorporate. Strain and allow the liquid to cool to before using. Store in the refrigerator for up to one month.