The Division Bell: Where Mezcal Meets Aperol in Perfect Harmony

|Benjamin Smith
The Division Bell: Where Mezcal Meets Aperol in Perfect Harmony

The Division Bell is a modern classic cocktail created by Phil Ward (the same mind behind the renowned Oaxaca Old Fashioned) that brilliantly highlights the smoky, earthy notes of mezcal. It is essentially a mezcal-based Last Word variation. The addition of bitter Aperol and maraschino liqueur creates a complex, bittersweet, and smoky-citrus flavor profile that is intriguing and highly addictive. It’s a perfect cocktail for those who enjoy the smokiness of mezcal but desire a balanced counterpoint of citrus and bitterness.

Division Bell Ingredients

  • 1 oz Mezcal
  • 3/4 oz Aperol
  • 1/4 oz Maraschino Liqueur 
  • 3/4 oz Fresh Lime Juice

How to Make a Division Bell

  1. Combine ingredients in a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
  2. Shake hard until the mixture is fully chilled.
  3. Double strain the mixture into a chilled coupe or Nick & Nora glass.
  4. Garnish with a lime wheel or a lime peel.

Make sure to pure the ingredients over fresh ice. If your ice has been sitting in the shaker too long, it will melt and dilute your drink ahead of time. 

Division Bell Riff

For a smoother deeper character, you can swap Mezcal for anejo tequila, or 1/2 oz each of blanco and reposado tequila for a brighter feel. 

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