Valley of the Dark Lords: May The Force Of Flavour Be With You

The Valley of the Dark Lords cocktail recipe conjures the mystery of ancient legends through its bold flavors.

This drink is a shows the power of blending smoky, spicy, sweet, and citrus elements, make a beverage that’s as great in taste as it is in looks.

Here’s how to make the Valley Of The Dark Lords cocktail, a perfect choice for those evenings when you’re feeling adventurous and in search of a drink that tells a story.

Valley of the Dark Lords Ingredients:

• Los Javis Mezcal (1 ounce / 30 ml): A smoky, complex spirit that provides a robust base, embodying the spirit of ancient lands.
• Ancho Reyes Chile Liqueur (3/4 ounce / 22.5 ml): Adds a spicy kick with its rich, smoky depth.
• Heering Cherry Liqueur (3/4 ounce / 22.5 ml): Brings a sweet, dark cherry flavor that complements the mezcal and chile liqueur beautifully.
• Orange Juice (3/4 ounce / 22.5 ml, freshly squeezed): Introduces a bright, citrusy balance to the cocktail’s rich flavors.
• Turmeric Powder (1 pinch): Offers a hint of earthiness and a vibrant color, enhancing the drink’s mystical appeal.
• Chia Seeds (1 teaspoon): Adds texture and a visual element that’s as intriguing as the Valley of the Dark Lords itself.

(Use other brands to make your own version should the above not be on hand).

Valley of the Dark Lords Recipe:

1. Prepare Your Ingredients:
   • Before you begin, ensure all your ingredients are ready and measured. Freshness is key, especially with the orange juice, to ensure a vibrant, fresh flavor that will balance the smoky and spicy notes.
2. Combine and Shake:
   • In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, combine 30 ml (1 ounce) of Los Javis Mezcal, 22.5 ml (3/4 ounce) each of Ancho Reyes Chile Liqueur, Heering Cherry Liqueur, and freshly squeezed orange juice. Add a pinch of turmeric powder for a hint of earthiness and color, along with 1 teaspoon of chia seeds for a unique texture.
   • Seal the shaker tightly and shake vigorously until well-chilled. The shaking process not only cools the drink but also ensures the turmeric and chia seeds are well integrated, creating a harmonious blend of flavors and textures.
3. Strain and Serve:
   • Strain the mixture into a chilled coupe glass, capturing the essence of the cocktail while leaving the ice behind. The choice of a coupe glass adds an element of elegance and mystery, fitting for a drink inspired by the lore of dark lords.

Valley of the Dark Lords Cocktail

The allure of the “Star Wars” saga has been undeniable since its inaugural film took the world by storm in 1977. With a series of trilogies and additional standalone films captivating audiences over the decades, it was inevitable that this enduring fascination would inspire themed cocktails, celebrating the iconic series.

Introducing the Valley of the Dark Lords, a unique drink created by Sol Trece, the general manager at La Cuevita, an agave-centric bar nestled in the Highland Park area of Los Angeles. This drink is part Blood & Sand cocktail, part living art piece, presenting a sensory exploration of taste and texture.

The traditional Blood and Sand cocktail is known for its blend of scotch, Herring cherry liqueur, sweet vermouth, and orange juice. However, the Valley of the Dark Lords takes a different path, starting with a base of rich, complex mezcal. It retains the cherry liqueur and orange juice but swaps out the vermouth for Ancho Reyes, an ancho chili liqueur. This mix delivers a cocktail that’s both spicy and citrusy, with undercurrents of roasted agave and a hint of smokiness.

Yet, the journey doesn’t end there. Trece elevates the cocktail with the addition of turmeric and chia seeds, launching it into a cosmic realm.

“We wanted a cocktail that, if you were looking through a telescope from another planet, you would see sand and living creatures,” says Trece. “We added turmeric for sand color and texture and chia seeds for the ‘creatures’ effect.”

So, the next time you settle in for a “Star Wars” marathon or wish to honor the Sith legacy, mix up a Valley of the Dark Lords and let the force of flavor be with you.

Check out more turmeric cocktail recipes and Star Wars themed cocktails.