Country: Turkey 

ABV:  90 proof/45% 

Brand: Efe 

Spirits Type: Herbal Liqueur 

Taste: Fresh, strong anise and licorice flavor 

Price Category: $ 

Turkey's national spirit and drink.  Raki is distilled from grape pomice and anise seed.  Efe's green label uses fresh grapes which gives the spirit a smoother finish.  It is traditionally diluted with chilled water and stirred until it becomes milky as the herbal infusion breaks out of solution with the alcohol. This milky drink is commonly referred to as "Lion's Milk". 

Country: United States 

ABV:  80 proof/40% 

Brand: Fifth Generation, Inc. 

Spirits Type:  Vodka 

Taste: Clean, Sweet, Pepper 

Price Category: $ 

This vodka is certified as gluten-free because it is made from yellow corn which is considered a modern production of vodka.  While made from yellow corn, its clean flavor and color can be attributed to the fact that it is distilled six times and traditional vodka is distilled three to four times.  

Country: France 

ABV:  56 proof/28% 

Brand: Heaven Hill Distillery  

Spirits Type: Liqueurs/Cordials/Schnapps 

Taste: Ginger and Honey 

Price Category: $ 

A cognac that has been redistilled with baby ginger, herbs and spices, and sweetened.  Results are a gingery liqueur with notes of vanilla, warming spices and a touch of honey.  Great to use in cold or warm drinks. 

Country: United States 

ABV:  30 proof/15% 

Brand: DeKuyper/Suntory Global Spirits 

Spirits Type: Liqueurs/Cordials/Schnapps 

Taste: Syrupy Sweet peach flavor 

Price Category: $ 

Known for its price point and its popularity in bars and restaurants.  Peachtree is redistilled fruit brandy with other flavoring materials.  It's flavor is syrupy sweet and reminiscent of tree-ripened peaches. 

5-6% acidity 

Less acidic than lime juice, lemon juice will add enough acidity to brighten flavors without overpowering when balanced with sweetness.   Usually our preference when needing acid to emulsify with egg white,  aquafaba or cream. 

Adds a sweet-tart flavor, antioxidants, and vibrant color to a cocktail.

Adds deep, earthy, and savory aromas and flavors to a cocktail balancing bright citrus flavors and deeply flavored spirits.

A sweet, chocolatey and lightly spiced treat that adds a light textural element as a cocktail garnish. Make ahead and store in a cool place in an air-tight container.

To Make Mexican Cocoa Meringues:

135g (.5 Cup) Aquafaba

.25 tsp Cream of Tartar

150g (3/4 Cup) Sugar

21g (1/4 Cup) Unsweetened Cocoa Powder, sifted

90g (1/2 Cup) Melted Chocolate of Choice

5 g (1 Tbs) Ground Cinnamon

5 g (1 Tbs) Chili Powder

Preheat your oven to 200F (100C) if using, and line 1 large baking trays with parchment paper.

In a stand mixer with the whisk attachment, or a large bowl with a handheld mixer, whip the cool reduced aqufaba and cream of tartar until it reaches medium to stiff peaks.

Slowly add the sugar one spoonful at a time to the meringue while continuing to whisk until the meringue is thick and glossy and had reached stiff peaks.

Quickly but gently fold in the sifted cocoa powder, cinnamon and chili powder into the meringue without over mixing.

Transfer the meringue into a piping bag with your favorite pastry tip like the Wilton 1M.

Pipe onto the prepared baking tray, keeping 2 cm between each meringue cookies. To make small meringues, try to pipe them at 3 cm high to 2 cm diameteré

If using a dehydrator, cook at 160F ( 71C) for 4h. If using an oven, cook at 200F (100C) for 1h30 to 2h if using the oven, adjusting the cook time to how dry your meringues are when you test them.

Once cooked, turn off your oven and let the meringues continue to dry until they are room temperature or overnight.

Dip parts of each meringues into the chocolate and decorate. according to your preference. Leave to cool on a piece of parchment paper

Store in an airtight container and enjoy!