When I landed a starting position at Mario & Johns, I was the only employee who didn't grow up in the town or know either one of the owners. I was the mystery Craigslist applicant. The one owner, my age, was really mellow and welcoming, excited to have me on board. The other, ten plus years my junior, was skeptical and certainly didn't care about my experience listed on my resume. Having learned the craft, working in SF, it was clear he didn't think much of all my years behind the stick. He wanted to see me in action, and know first hand that I could make a proper cocktail. I accepted the challenge.

Fast forward a few weeks after opening, the small crew decided each person should make up their own signature cocktail which represented them. After a handful of trial and errors, I had my cocktail and name. Originally made with tequila, as my inspiration came after making a guest an "El Diablo." I ended up swapping the tequila for the smokier of agave spirits, Mezcal. From the combination of paying homage to the "El Diablo" and being the mystery guy at work, is how I came up with the drinks name- "The Unknown." Just made sense.

"The Unknown"-

1.5oz Del Maguey Vida Mezcal

.75oz Creme de Cassis

.5oz Lime juice

.25oz R. Jelinek Fernet

Garnish with grapefruit peel

Add all ingredients to mixing tin. Shake hard. Double strain over a large cube in Old Fashioned glass. Zest, rim & garnish with grapefruit peel.

Salud!