mixologist

The Irish Poet, a cocktail created by Gilbert Marquez at Mercado in Santa… (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles…)

In a city that could be considered the melting pot of the world, it’s only fitting that our pick for a St. Patrick’s Day cocktail is Mexican. Created by mixologist Gilbert Marquez for Santa Monica’s nouveau Mexican restaurant Mercado, the drink is called the Irish Poet. The spicy libation is fueled by the smoky flavor of mezcal, the heat of seeded poblano peppers, the zing of fresh lime juice and a lick of chipotle pepper-infused salt. Inspiration for the drink struck Marquez after a riotous tequila-drinking session with a loquacious Irishman in Mexico.

Click here to read the Los Angeles Times article