El Companero (Death & Co. Recipe)

 

Beer cocktails, no matter how they are made, always come across as a little strange. This one is no exception, however; it's very specific ingredients and proportions make this one more of a curiosity than a success. 

It's not surprising that Death & Co. served a beer cocktail based on the classic Canadian Dog's Nose, or a somewhat skewed Chelada. What is surprising is they did it back in 2008! Very few people were putting these ingredients together back then, though most bars had them on hand. And this is no ordinary Bloody Beer redux: the Modelo Negra is clearly signaling a darker color and slightly roasted tasting dry beer; Reposado tequila will add more oak notes with its alcoholic kick, Tabasco chipotle will bring the heat and smoke and lime juice and agave syrup balance the whole thing. 

Does it work? Yes. And for fans of the Cheleda or other beer and savory spirits cocktail drinkers out there, this might be a breakthrough. The cilantro garnish really polishes it off. Celery just wouldn't do, and it is so important to the scent and visual experience that I wouldn't make this drink without it.

• 3/4 oz. reposado tequila (El Jimador reposado tequila used)
• 3/4 oz. jalapeno-infused blanco tequila (jalapeno-infused Sauza blanco used)
• 1 tsp. agave nectar
• 1 dash Tabasco chipotle sauce
• pinch kosher salt
  
• 1 cilantro sprig
• Negra Modelo beer
• 1 cilantro sprig garnish

 Shake all ingredients except beer and garnish with 3 ice cubes, then strain into a highball glass filled with ice cubes. Top with Negra Modelo and garnish with the cilantro sprig.