Menyul, a Mexican coastal cocktail

“Solo Veracruz es bello!” - Only Veracruz is beautiful

That is a tall order of a description, isn’t it?
Veracruz is the east coast state that has shores along the gulf of Mexico. People from Veracruz - called Jarochos - are known to be proud of their state and all their beauties, they are also known to “spice” their conversation with all sorts of bad words, none of them to offend, just to give more “flavor” to it.

Their traditional music coming from a marimba is so joyful it makes you want to dance. They are warm, loud and cheerful people. My dad was from Veracruz, specifically from a town called Cordoba. He was truly a Jarocho, a loving, warm, generous man with a laughter that could fill a room.

My dad was also a foodie, I’m sure he didn’t know that word but his appreciation for good food and fine wine is something I always remember. Sometimes he and my mom would talk about the “Menyules” as this refreshing cocktail that was served and enjoyed in bars and people would sip on their porches overlooking the sea. “Hay mijita, se me antoja un Menyul” he would tell my mom lovingly.

The Menyul is originated in the town where my dad is from, Cordoba. The story tells of a French man in the XXVII century who was visiting the town and asked a bartender for a Mint Julep. The bartender was not familiar with the drink so he followed the visitor’s instructions. He replaced the Bourbon for Rum, since Bourbon was not imported at that time, and gave it his own twist. Since then it became the beverage of choice in many bars in Veracruz and a “must” if you are visiting.

I found there are a few variations to the recipe, my mom’s called for Chamomille liqueur but no sugar. Others call for Rum instead of Cognac, some mention using angostura bitters.
Here is my family’s version (I added the sugar back, found it helps to macerate the mint)

Menyul

1oz Campari
1oz Chamomile liqueur
1oz Cognac
1oz Sweet Vermouth
8 fresh Mint leaves
1/4 tsp Sugar
Crushed ice

Place mint in old-fashioned glass with 1/4 tsp sugar and crush them together a couple of times.
Fill the glass with crushed ice. Combine all the ingredients and stir. Garnish with a sprig of mint.
Best sipped through a reusable glass or metal straw.

Salud!

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