Better & Better: A Stirred, Tropical Slow Sipper with Quiet Depth
Flavor Profile: Warm Spice, Rich, Subtly Tropical
A spirit-forward slow sipper where our Ensamble meets aged rum and falernum, Better & Better leans into warmth, subtle spice, and rich tropical undertones. Stirred and strong, yet never loud, it’s a cocktail that reveals more with every sip.
How to Make Better & Better:
1 ½ oz. Fósforo Ensamble Mezcal
½ oz. Aged Pot Still Rum
¼ oz. Falernum
Add ingredients to a mixing glass with ice and stir until well chilled. Strain into a rocks glass over a large cube. Garnish with a lemon twist.
By combining Fósforo Ensamble with pot still rum, this drink bridges continents and traditions – mezcal from Puebla, rum from the Caribbean, and a format rooted in classic cocktail bars. It’s a thoughtful nod to the past with a modern agave edge.
Discover how our mezcal is crafted in Puebla using artesanal techniques on our process page.
Why Fósforo Works in a Cocktail Like This
Our Ensamble – crafted from Espadilla and Tobalá agave in Puebla – brings an earthy backbone and subtle smokiness that pairs beautifully with aged rum’s rounded richness. Falernum adds a whisper of clove, ginger, and lime zest, echoing the mezcal’s peppery warmth without overpowering its balance.
This is a stirred mezcal cocktail for those who like their drinks structured, layered, and a little unexpected.
A Modern Classic from Dutch Kills
Originally created by Jan Warren at Dutch Kills in Long Island City, Better & Better is a modern stirred classic that highlights mezcal’s rising role in contemporary mixology. The cocktail blends mezcal, aged rum, and falernum for a rich, subtly tropical profile that’s both spirit-forward and smooth. Its structure nods to classic stirred drinks, while its ingredients reflect the modern bartender’s global palette. Like the Naked & Famous – another iconic modern mezcal cocktail born in NYC —the Better & Better showcases how Fósforo’s floral smoke and layered depth elevate timeless formats.
Pro Tips for A BETTER Better & Better
Opt for a bold pot still rum – like Smith & Cross – to hold its own next to the mezcal.
A fresh lemon twist adds lift—express the oils over the glass before dropping it in.
For more depth, add a dash of aromatic bitters.
FAQ: Better & Better with Fósforo Mezcal
Q: What does this cocktail taste like?
A: It’s warm, spiced, and richly layered. Mezcal’s earthiness blends with rum’s depth and falernum’s tropical spice for a quietly complex sipper.
Q: Can I make this without falernum?
A: You can substitute with a dash of simple syrup and a few drops of clove or ginger bitters, though falernum offers unique depth.
Q: Is this drink sweet?
A: It’s balanced, not sweet – just enough falernum to round the edges and complement the mezcal’s richness.
Q: What kind of rum works best?
A: Aged pot still rum—something with body and caramelized depth. Look for expressions from Jamaican or Barbados.
Q: Can I batch this for a party?
A: Yes. Combine ingredients in advance, chill, and stir individual servings with ice for the ideal dilution.
