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

Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit's Carajillo in Flames
The Carajillo in Flames is the Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit’s take on an espresso martini. (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.