Dos Perros,
Durham, NC
$10
Wow, this New Year’s Eve special cocktail takes its description as a twist on a Manhattan seriously! It’s a very strong drink---assuming Dos Perros adds it to their specials list on occasion, only order it if you like a stiff drink. Luckily, I do! It’s made with hornitos anejo tequila, molé sauce, orange bitters, and Dolin sweet vermouth.
The light brown coloring was very appealing, like a crushed velvet. The tequila definitely hits you right away, but it’s a good, rich varietal that is deepened by the endless wealth of flavors the molé brings and the fleeting dash of orange bitters. I couldn’t pick out the vermouth, but I’m no vermouth expert so I may simply not have recognized it in the mix. The tequila is absolutely prominent in this drink, as it should be, and you only remember the other ingredients are there if you think about it. They work subtlely, which is no small feat for molé. I could have easily drunk another, but I also would have needed a cab ride home.
Reviewed 12.31.10.
Most of my posts on nightlife feature a specific cocktail that I’ve enjoyed rather than focusing on the atmosphere of the bar, club, or wine bar that I’m patronizing. Largely, that’s because I care more about what’s in my glass than I do what’s playing on the speakers. However, I am far more likely to enjoy neighborhood dive bars and wine bars than I am a club or anywhere with loud music. I’ll still give the latter a try, and if the beverages are inventive and fun, I’ll be back no matter the soundtrack!