Smoked Apple Sour

Flavor profile

Reposado warmth, meyer lemon, and a whisper of apple that reads like fall without a sugar bomb on the rim.

Our take

Valenza is Italian-leaning, not tequila-first — that might be why the bar keeps this pour a little more austere, almost Old World in balance.

The smoked apple is there for aroma more than obvious sweetness, which is why it can sit with red sauce pastas and not feel like you ordered dessert in a glass.

Ingredients

• Reposado tequila
• Meyer lemon
• Orgeat
• Smoked apple syrup
• Angostura

Pairing recommendations

• Braised short rib or pork cheek — the smoke on the drink finds its echo on the plate.
• Caramelized endive and blue cheese — bitter-sweet to mirror the orgeat.