Recipes of the Week: Two from the Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit

Roberto Zenteno Solís, the magician at the Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit in Mexico, has partnered with the property’s mixology team to develop a cocktail menu with entertainment in mind. Solis, better known as "Spider," recently earned the Merlin Award, the “Oscar” of the magic industry. Beginning November, Spider will oversee a new selection of magic-themed cocktails inspired by Mexican spirits.

Cocktails on tap include a smokey pineapple and rosemary margarita enhanced with a liquid nitrogen “smoke bomb” and a Carajillo in Flames, Mexico’s take on an espresso martini decorated with gold beans.

Smokey Pineapple & Rosemary Margarita

  • 1 ½ oz Tequila blanco
  • 1 oz Controy liqueur
  • 1 oz Fresh lemon juice
  • 2 oz Roasted pineapple puree
  • 1 oz Agave syrup
  • Fresh rosemary

Pour all the ingredients into a shaker with ice and shake vigorously. Serve in an old fashioned frosted tajin glass, decorated with a branch of rosemary and dehydrated pineapple. Place inside a smoker with rosemary, cover, then lift.  

Carajillo in Flames

  • 1 ½ oz Licor 43 
  • 2 Shots of espresso 
  • Soft Bailey’s foam
  • Gold coffee beans

Pour the espresso and the liqueur into a shaker with ice and mix vigorously for 30 seconds. Froth Bailey’s with a milk frother or whisk in a cup. Serve in an old fashioned glass, and place the soft Bailey’s foam afloat. Top with golden coffee beans.