Meet The Smoky-Sweet Strawberry Ember At The Ritz-Carlton Rancho Mirage

Photo Credit: The Ritz-Carlton Rancho Mirage

Our cocktail of the week pick comes from the sunny Palm Desert, and specifically, the area’s top hotel — the Ritz-Carlton Rancho Mirage. Here, you’ll find the Strawberry Ember, which burns ever so slightly, in a good way.

Photo Credit: The Ritz-Carlton Rancho Mirage

The libation, which is made with Del Maguey Vida Mezcal, pineapple juice, and maple syrup, as well as a house-made cinnamon simple syrup, is served at the haute hotel’s State Fare restaurant, which offers all day dining from sunrise to stargazing and highlights California’s bounty – from local wineries to small batch distilleries alongside a menu crafted from seasonal ingredients. It’s also home to a few other cocktails we’re crazy about, including the property’s signature drink, the Midnight Palm, and the zero proof sparkling rosemary lemonade.  But we’re here for the Strawberry Ember, so without further ado, this is how you make it!

Photo Credit: The Ritz-Carlton Rancho Mirage

Ingredients (Serves 1):
• 1½ oz Del Maguey Vida Mezcal
• ¾ oz fresh lemon juice
• ½ oz maple syrup
• 1 oz pineapple juice
• ½ oz cinnamon simple syrup*
• 2 strawberries (hulled and sliced)
• Ice
• Strawberry slice or cinnamon stick (for garnish)

Directions:
In a shaker, muddle the strawberries gently to release their juice.
Add mezcal, lemon juice, pineapple juice, maple syrup, and cinnamon simple syrup.
Fill the shaker with ice and shake well for about 15 seconds.
Strain into a rocks glass filled with fresh ice.
Garnish with a strawberry slice or a cinnamon stick.

*To make cinnamon simple syrup:
Combine 1 cup water, 1 cup sugar, and 2 cinnamon sticks in a saucepan. Bring to a simmer, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Let steep for 15 minutes, then cool and strain.
Garnish with a cucumber ribbon or lime wheel.

The Ritz Carlton Rancho Mirage is located at 68900 Frank Sinatra Dr, Rancho Mirage, CA 92270