Grapeshot

Are you a pirate or a highwayman? Do you say, "Stand and deliver!" before pulling your pistol and pilfering a man's purse? Is there some reason why you have grape juice and tequila, but not wine? Because that's pretty much what's going on here. This drink tastes like a cheap port, and if you had actual wine, you'd be better off drinking that.

I guess a swashbuckling pirate doesn't have time to wait for the grape juice to ferment. In that case, make this drink.

I have two versions of this cocktail now. The silver tequila and white grape juice looks just like a Martini but will likely go down much quicker. Purple grape juice and gold tequila is richer and has a totally different look.

The reason for there being two recipes is because the New York Bartender's Guide circa 1997 includes one recipe but it is cross listed with both gold and silver tequila and white and purple grape juice. The printed recipe shows gold tequila and white grape juice. Follow the recipe and do whatever you like with the colors of the liquids.

• 2 oz. gold or silver tequila
• 1 1/2 oz. white grape juice (purple grape juice also ok.)
• 1 oz. white curacao

Combine all ingredients in a shaker with ice. Shake and strain into a chilled cocktail glass.