Hoodwinked

Hoodwinked

(1 ratings)

A modern Jungle Bird variation with mezcal and Aperol, delivering smoky depth and vibrant citrus notes.

SUGGESTED GLASSWARE

Rocks Glass

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Recipe

1 cocktail (195ml)
  • Mezcal 
    60 ml
  • Aperol 
    15 ml
  • Pineapple Juice 
    50 ml
  • Lemon Juice 
    15 ml
  • Simple syrup (1:1) 
    10 ml
  • Pineapple 
    1 wedge

Instructions

Step

Add the mezcal, Aperol, pineapple juice, lemon juice, and simple syrup to a cocktail shaker filled with ice.

Step

Shake vigorously for 8-10 seconds to chill and dilute the drink properly.

Step

Double strain the mixture through both a Hawthorne strainer and fine mesh strainer into a rocks glass filled with fresh ice.

Step

Garnish with a fresh pineapple wedge on the rim. For extra complexity, lightly dust the pineapple wedge with harissa spice.

Equipment

Shaker
Jigger
Hawthorne Strainer
Fine Mesh Strainer

Description

The Hoodwinked cocktail is a contemporary creation by Devon Espinoza at the Hotel Californian in Santa Barbara, representing a masterful reimagining of the classic Jungle Bird. This innovative cocktail substitutes mezcal for rum and Aperol for Campari, creating a more nuanced and approachable drink that balances the earthy smoke of mezcal with the bright bittersweet character of Aperol. The result is a sophisticated tropical cocktail that maintains the spirit of the original while offering a distinctly modern flavor profile.

Nutritional information

1 cocktail (195ml)
Calories
185
ABV
19.5 %
Alcohol
18.2 g
Carbs
15.8 g
Carbs from Sugar
14.2 g
Fat
0.1 g
Protein
0.3 g
Sodium
2 mg
Nutritional information is approximate and includes estimated 30% dilution from ice. Values may vary based on specific brands and preparation methods.

Tips & Notes

  • Select a mezcal that's not overwhelmingly smoky, such as an Espadin variety, to allow the other flavors to shine through while maintaining the drink's signature smokiness.

  • Use freshly squeezed pineapple and lemon juice for the brightest, most vibrant flavor profile - bottled juices will significantly diminish the cocktail's quality.

  • Double straining is crucial for achieving the smooth texture that makes this cocktail so enjoyable - it removes pulp and ice shards that could interfere with the drinking experience.

  • The optional harissa-dusted pineapple garnish adds a subtle heat and aromatic complexity that elevates the drink's presentation and flavor profile.

While mezcal is essential for the authentic Hoodwinked experience, you could substitute with tequila for a cleaner flavor profile, though you’ll lose the distinctive smoky character that defines this cocktail.

The Hoodwinked replaces the Jungle Bird’s rum with mezcal and Campari with Aperol, creating a smokier, more approachable drink with less bitter intensity than the original.

It’s best served fresh, but you can pre-batch the ingredients without ice and store refrigerated for up to 24 hours. Add ice and shake just before serving for optimal texture and temperature.

Related Smoky, Tropical cocktails

Bow & Arrow

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Bow and arrow

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Cocktail Difficulty Levels

We’ve added a difficulty rating to every cocktail so you’ll know what to expect before you start mixing. It’s not about being “hard” or “easy” in the strict sense—it’s about how much preparation, skill, and hunting for ingredients you’ll need.

  • Beginner – Quick builds or simple shakes with common ingredients you’ll likely already have at home. Perfect for beginners or a casual evening.

  • Intermediate – A bit more technique (stirring, shaking, muddling, layering) and a few extra ingredients. You might need to buy one or two bottles or garnishes you don’t already stock.

  • Advanced – Multiple steps, specialty techniques (infusions, syrups, foams), or rare ingredients. These drinks take more effort and planning, but reward you with something truly impressive.

The rating is based on things like the number of ingredients, how rare they are, and the skills needed to bring the cocktail together.

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Recipe notes

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Quick recipe

Ingredients

  • Mezcal
    60 ml
  • Aperol
    15 ml
  • Pineapple Juice
    50 ml
  • Lemon Juice
    15 ml
  • Simple syrup (1:1)
    10 ml
  • Pineapple
    1 wedge

Method

  1. Add the mezcal, Aperol, pineapple juice, lemon juice, and simple syrup to a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
  2. Shake vigorously for 8-10 seconds to chill and dilute the drink properly.
  3. Double strain the mixture through both a Hawthorne strainer and fine mesh strainer into a rocks glass filled with fresh ice.
  4. Garnish with a fresh pineapple wedge on the rim. For extra complexity, lightly dust the pineapple wedge with harissa spice.