A subscription to Imbibe Magazine, an assortment of high-quality spirits and the willingness to experiment with a variety of ingredients = swanky cocktails made easy.

In this recipe, 3 ingredients, 4 with the lemon twist, mingle for the perfect aperitif - the tangy flavor of the sherry, the smoky fruit taste of the reposado and the sweet, delicate pear liqueur.

I would serve this with a Spanish "antipasto" platter - some tangy green olives, spiced nuts, Manchego, Chorizo sausage and crusty bread - and that to me, would make for a happy start to any happy hour.

La Perla

1 1/2 oz. tequila reposado
1 1/2 oz. manzanilla sherry
3/4 oz. Mathilde pear liqueur
Ice cubes
Tools: mixing glass, bar spoon, strainer
Glass: cocktail, chilled
Garnish: lemon twist

(Stir ingredients with ice and strain into glass. Garnish.)

Check back here each Friday for more deliberation on libations.

Bottoms Up!