The “Three Keys” is a remedy to the Triple Lock Box, a puzzle box with three locking mechanisms. It may not help to open the box but it will certainly ease the mind and delight the palate. The cocktail is completely clear, yet contains an incredible symphony of flavors. The drink is anchored by the first “key” - a very special tequila, the Don Julio Anejo 70, a robust and delicious anejo which has been filtered completely clear. Anejo tequilas are aged for at least 1 year in small barrels which impart a smoother, more complex, rich flavor and a dark amber color, yet this one is crystal clear. The second “key” is found in the lightly bitter aperitif Cocchi Americano. Key limes provides the third key, and these are also prepared in an extra special way.

Clarified cocktails date back to the eighteenth century, when milk was a popular way to mitigate the effects of acidic drinks on the sensitive stomachs of the day. Milk clarification causes curdling of the liquid, but when the results are strained the resulting cocktail is clear, smooth and richer in flavor than before. It also helps to preserve the drink, which was of particular importance long ago for large batches of punch. For this cocktail I experimented with three different techniques for clarifying the lime juice. There was no need to clarify the whole cocktail as the other ingredients were already clear. Clarified juice is more intense and flavorful as well. Of the three, simple filter straining, milk washing, and Agar Agar filtering, the latter was most complicated but clearly the winner, for an exceptionally clear look and bright taste. The three keys are tied together with Luxardo Bitter Bianco, an incredible spirit from the 1930’s with flavors similar to red bitters, including sweet fruit, deep orange, honey, rhubarb, baking spice, anise, and wormwood bitters, but amplified by another clear distillation process. The final cocktail is bold, balanced, refreshing and surprising, with a satisfying lime pop. Here’s to not judging a book by its cover, or a box, or a cocktail, or a person, for that matter. We are all complicated creatures worth unlocking. Cheers!

Three Keys

1 ½ oz Don Julio Anjeo 70 te”key”la

½ oz Coc”key” Americano

½ oz clarified “key” lime

¾ oz Luxardo Bitter Bianco

Stir ingredients with ice and strain into a favorite glass. Garnish with three keys.

For more information about the Triple Lock Box see:

Boxes and Booze: Third Times a Charm