Division bell

Division Bell

(1 ratings)

A modern classic cocktail that balances smoky mezcal with the bittersweet complexity of Aperol, bright lime juice, and subtle maraschino liqueur.

Keep screen on?

Recipe

1 cocktail (135ml)
  • Mezcal 
    45 ml
  • Aperol 
    22.5 ml
  • Maraschino Liqueur 
    15 ml
  • Lime Juice 
    22.5 ml
  • Grapefruit peel 
    1 twist

Instructions

Step

Chill a coupe glass by placing it in the freezer or filling with ice water while preparing the cocktail.

Step

Add 45ml mezcal, 22.5 ml Aperol, 15 ml maraschino liqueur, and 22.5 ml fresh lime juice to a cocktail shaker filled with ice.

Step

Shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds until the shaker becomes frosty and well-chilled.

Step

Fine strain the mixture into the chilled coupe glass, ensuring no ice chips or pulp pass through.

Step

Express the oils from a grapefruit twist over the surface of the drink, then either discard the twist or drop it into the glass as preferred.

Equipment

Shaker
Fine Mesh Strainer
Jigger
Citrus peeler

Description

Created by Phil Ward in 2009 at Mayahuel in New York City, the Division Bell is a sophisticated riff on the classic Last Word cocktail. This modern classic substitutes mezcal for gin and Aperol for Chartreuse, creating a more approachable yet complex drink that showcases the beautiful interplay between smoke, citrus, and bittersweet notes.

Nutritional information

1 cocktail (135ml)
Calories
165
ABV
24.5 %
Alcohol
26.2 g
Carbs
8.5 g
Carbs from Sugar
7.2 g
Fat
0.1 g
Protein
0.2 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

  • Choose a mezcal with balanced smokiness - overly peaty or heavily smoked mezcals can overpower the delicate balance of the cocktail.

  • Always use freshly squeezed lime juice and measure precisely, as the acid balance is crucial to the drink's success.

  • The grapefruit twist is essential for the complete sensory experience - the citrus oils enhance the drink's aroma and complexity significantly.

  • Double strain through a fine mesh strainer to achieve the smoothest possible texture and professional presentation.

  • Serve immediately after preparation to maintain optimal temperature and prevent dilution from melting ice.

While Aperol is preferred for its specific bittersweet profile and color, you could substitute Campari, though you may want to reduce the amount slightly as it’s more bitter. Other orange bitters like Select or Gran Classico could work but will change the flavor profile.

Del Maguey Vida is the gold standard for this cocktail, offering balanced smoke and approachable flavor. Other excellent options include Banhez, Montelobos, or any quality joven mezcal with moderate smokiness. Avoid overly smoky or heavily peated expressions.

Maraschino liqueur is essential to the Division Bell’s balanced flavor profile. If unavailable, you might substitute with a small amount of simple syrup and a few drops of almond extract, but the result will be noticeably different from the original recipe.

The Division Bell is traditionally served “up” (without ice) in a chilled coupe glass. This presentation maintains the drink’s intended strength and prevents further dilution while showcasing its beautiful color and clarity.

Leave your comment

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.

Okay

Recipe notes

Create a free account 

My Bar, saved forever
Without an account, your ingredients are only stored in cookies and can disappear. With an account, your bar is saved securely – so you can always see which recipes you can craft (or almost craft) based on what you have at home.

Rate recipes
Share your opinion and help other cocktail lovers discover the best recipes.

Favourites at your fingertips
Save your go-to cocktails for quick access right from your account page.

Personal notes
Add your own tweaks, tips, or reminders to any recipe – perfect if you like to experiment or record what worked best.

Exclusive newsletter
Opt-in for insights into mixology, cocktail theory, and home bartending – plus stay updated when new recipes are added.

Quick recipe

Ingredients

  • Mezcal
    45 ml
  • Aperol
    22.5 ml
  • Maraschino Liqueur
    15 ml
  • Lime Juice
    22.5 ml
  • Grapefruit peel
    1 twist

Method

  1. Chill a coupe glass by placing it in the freezer or filling with ice water while preparing the cocktail.
  2. Add 45ml mezcal, 22.5 ml Aperol, 15 ml maraschino liqueur, and 22.5 ml fresh lime juice to a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
  3. Shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds until the shaker becomes frosty and well-chilled.
  4. Fine strain the mixture into the chilled coupe glass, ensuring no ice chips or pulp pass through.
  5. Express the oils from a grapefruit twist over the surface of the drink, then either discard the twist or drop it into the glass as preferred.