Ruby Hearts: Mezcal Meets An Ale

This beverage showcases the allure of bitterness, combining an IPA with the sharpness of Campari and the depth of mezcal, complemented by lime juice and a sweet cinnamon-demerara syrup. The bitter elements don’t overpower but rather highlight the mezcal’s smoky nuances and the syrup’s lush sweetness, creating a perfectly balanced drink.

This cocktail marries the depth of mezcal with the bitterness of Campari and the craft beer’s robust flavor.

Here’s how to make this yummy cocktail recipe with beer, including the preparation of homemade cinnamon-demerara syrup.

Ruby Hearts Recipe Ingredients:

• Union Mezcal (1 1/2 ounces / 45 ml): Adds a rich, smoky base that anchors the cocktail with its distinctive flavor.
• Campari (1/2 ounce / 15 ml): Introduces a hint of bitterness and a deep, red hue that complements the mezcal beautifully.
• Lime Juice (3/4 ounce / 22.5 ml, freshly squeezed): Provides a bright acidity that cuts through the sweetness and smokiness.
• Cinnamon-Demerara Syrup (3/4 ounce / 22.5 ml): Offers a sweet, spiced complexity that ties the other flavors together harmoniously.
• Bell’s Two Hearted Ale (4 ounces / 120 ml): A full-bodied ale that adds a final layer of depth and refreshment.
• Garnish: Cinnamon Stick, enhancing the drink’s aroma and visual appeal.

Ruby Hearts Recipe Guide:

1. Prepare the Cinnamon-Demerara Syrup:
   • In a saucepan, combine 1 cup of demerara sugar with 1 cup of water. Bring the mixture to a boil, then simmer until the sugar has fully dissolved. Remove from heat, add 6 cinnamon sticks, and allow to steep for an hour or until the desired flavor is achieved.
   • Remove the cinnamon sticks and store the syrup in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to a month. This syrup adds a warm, spiced sweetness that’s integral to the cocktail’s profile.
2. Combine and Shake:
   • In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, add 45 ml (1 1/2 ounces) of Union mezcal, 15 ml (1/2 ounce) of Campari, 22.5 ml (3/4 ounce) of freshly squeezed lime juice, and 22.5 ml (3/4 ounce) of the homemade cinnamon-demerara syrup.
   • Shake vigorously until well-chilled. This cools the cocktail and ensures flavors mix.
3. Strain and Serve:
   • Strain the mixture into a Collins glass filled with fresh ice, creating a smooth, refreshing base for the beer topping.
4. Top with Beer:
   • Gently top the cocktail with 120 ml (4 ounces) of Bell’s Two Hearted Ale. Pouring the beer slowly integrates it with the mezcal mixture without causing too much foam.
5. Garnish:
   • Garnish the cocktail with a cinnamon stick. This not only adds to the drink’s aesthetic but also infuses it with a subtle, spiced aroma that complements the cinnamon in the syrup.

The Ruby Hearts Cocktail – In detail

Campari is renowned for its pivotal role in the iconic Negroni, mingling with gin and sweet vermouth to create the classic cocktail.

Its unique taste, vivid red hue, and relatively low alcohol content (24% ABV) make it a versatile component that excels in a wide array of mixed drinks, including beer-based cocktails like the Ruby Hearts.

Bartender Melissa Romanos recognizes Campari’s adaptability, noting its compatibility with fruits, spices, and herbs. She suggests that citrus, pineapple, berries, basil, thyme, and baking spices pair exceptionally well with it. Campari’s flexibility extends to sours, beer cocktails, and Tiki-style beverages, with the key lying in the correct balance of components.

Romanos believes in challenging preconceptions about spirits by presenting them in a manner that showcases their best features while softening less favorable aspects.

The Ruby Hearts stands out as an innovative cocktail. Its composition includes Campari, mezcal, cinnamon-demerara syrup, lime juice, and Bell’s Two Hearted Ale, a Michigan-brewed American-style IPA.

Romanos, who devised the Ruby Hearts during her tenure at The Publican in Chicago, explains that combining two bitter elements doesn’t necessarily intensify the bitterness.

Instead, the earthy, smoky flavors of Unión mezcal and the sweet depth of cinnamon demerara syrup achieve a delicate equilibrium with the bitterness of both the ale and Campari.