A Sip of Durango in LA: Durango Cantina

Durango Cantina, located in the heart of Los Angeles on Melrose Avenue, brings us the best of the Durango region of Mexico with a Southern California flair. This new restaurant was conceptualized by renowned chef Alex Carrasco, who was also the man behind Osteria Mozza, Scratch Bar, Viceroy, and many others. Durango Cantina prides itself on “traditional flavor [and] innovative technique.” Chef Alex stays true to the spirit of Mexico’s frontier, Durango, through every ingredient in every menu item, while making every customer feel at home in LA. These five drinks offered by Durango Cantina represent the restaurant’s vision of traditional flavor and innovation.

1. The Trafficked Old Fash

The Trafficked Old Fash is a tequila-based cocktail with a bitter flair. This cocktail is made of Ango Tequila, Mezcal, Agave, and Orange+Tobacco Bitters. Of course, tequila is a staple in Mexican cuisine and a key ingredient in popular drinks such as margaritas. Mezcal is an alcohol that is primarily made from distilled agave. Mezcal from Durango involves various dry ingredients, which are important in this region’s cuisine. Agave is abundant and native to Mexico, so it is a popular form of sweetener especially in beverages. Finally, the orange and tobacco bitters follow the tradition of sun-drying food in the region in order to preserve it. Tobacco is one of the many crops that is still grown in Durango, and combined with the orange, it adds an aromatic essence. This drink celebrates the old-fashioned way, the traditions that make Durango a unique place.

2. Desperado

The Desperado is a mezcal-based cocktail that is botanical with a kick. This cocktail is made of mezcal, lime, agave, sage, jalapeno, pineapple, and mole bitters. Mezcal is an agave-based alcohol, in fact, tequila is just a subset of Mezcal. Traditionally, lime is used to garnish different cocktails and to diminish the strong and bitter taste of tequila after a shot. The agave further gives this drink a sweeter touch. The sage, which is actually native to Europe, is used as a flavoring as it is a part of the mint family. Jalapeño is a pepper that is native to Mexico and is a popular ingredient to add heat to dishes. Pineapple adds a tropical touch, reminiscent of the climate of Mexico. Finally, mole bitters combine a variety of spices, traditionally with a hint of chile, to create the perfect spice mix to elevate any drink. The Desperado combines heat with a nice sweet, botanical finish.

3. Mezcal Negroni

The Mezcal Negroni adds the Durango flair to the negroni, a bitter and uniquely-flavored drink that is traditionally enjoyed in Europe. Campari, vermouth, and mezcal create a complex flavor profile that innovates an otherwise straightforward drink. Campari is an aperitif originating from Italy, which is red in color through a combination of oranges and other herbs. The Campari has a herbaceous and floral aroma, and in sips, it is bitter and velvety, with notes of orange, woods, and herbs. Vermouth is actually classified as a fortified wine and is popular in France. It is flavored with botanicals, herbs, and spices creating a wine with a more complex flavor profile. Finally, mezcal adds a sort of smoky essence to the negroni, as some forms of alcohol involve burning the agave over lava rocks.

4. Valentina

The Valentina is the perfect cocktail for those who enjoy drinks that are on the sweeter side. This cocktail is made of tequila, coconut, cinnamon, mint, and lime. Tequila, which is actually a member of the Mezcal family, is made of blue agave and produced in a few specific parts of Mexico. Lime is often used to complement tequila, and it is also an ingredient in the Valentina. Coconut is a versatile ingredient, as the water and pulp on the inside are used for a variety of recipes; it originates from Southeast Asia, thriving in tropical climates. The water in coconuts is refreshing and sweet, and the pulp can be used as a sweet addition to any dessert. The cinnamon adds a bitter, yet slightly sweet spice to finish off this drink and the mint adds a sweet and herbaceous touch. The Valentina combines traditional Mexican tequila with various ingredients from across the globe: it is a cultural crossover.

5. Melrose Linen

Finally, the Melrose Linen is a cocktail for those who enjoy drinks that are light and spritzy. The Melrose Linen is made from vodka, lime, elderflower, cucumber, agave, and soda water. Vodka, originating from Eastern Europe, can be distilled from many different products, such as corn, wheat, and even potato. It is a universally popular liquor and compatible with a variety of ingredients. Elderflower is grown across Europe and North America and comes from the elderberry plant. Elderflower has a sweet and pleasant floral aroma, but it does not have a strong presence as many other flowers do. Cucumbers are actually considered a fruit, a part of the melon family originating from India. Agave adds a complex sweetness and spice. Finally, the soda water and lime add the perfect spritz touch, making this drink refreshing. The Melrose Linen is universal but still stays true to Durango Cantina’s sense of tradition.