Eye of the Komodo
My friend Michael Sharkey is one of the best home bartenders I know, and he sometimes surprises me with delicious new creations when I visit. His latest is the Eye of the Komodo (he originally christened it Ojo del Komodo — but I botched and Anglicized it, probably because I think the Eye of the Komodo sounds more like a ‘60s horror movie). Built on a foundation of what Michael calls “lizard liquid” and fortified by mezcal, it is bright green, satisfyingly spicy and garnished with a vegetal “eyeball.” What’s not to love?
- Serves: 4 persons
Ingredients
- 1large cucumber peeled and cut into big chunks (save 4 slices for garnish)
- 1handful cilantro
- ½a jalapeño, with most of the seeds removed (save 4 slices for garnish)
- 8ounces mezcal
- 8ounces "lizard liquid"
- 2ounces fresh lime juice (save 4 slices of lime for garnish)
- 2scant tablespoon agave nectar
Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare the “lizard liquid": Combine cucumber chunks, cilantro and jalapeño in a food processor until completely liquefied. Strain through a fine-mesh strainer.Step 2
In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, combine mezcal, "lizard liquid," lime juice and agave nectar.Step 3
Fill 4 glasses with ice, shake the mixture and pour over the ice. Garnish with layered cucumber, lime and jalapeño slices, held together with a toothpick. (Those are the lizard eyes). Dust with chile powder.