Las Perlas—mezcal’s new Los Angeles home, thanks to Cedd Moses and Mark Verge— is opening tonight!  When you go (which better be soon), ask for Raul Yrastorza, the man in charge, who has actually walked the palenques of Oaxaca with Ron Cooper (founder of Del Maguey Single Village Mezcal).  Raul gets authentic maguey distillates like few people—among his offerings are el Melón, which I cannot seem to get enough of.  As with all of his cocktails, insist that he use Del Maguey—you’ll be glad you did.

el Melón
2 oz    Mezcal (Raul has a particular affinity for Santo Domingo Albarradas [as I do])
¾ oz    Lime juice (fresh squeezed, obviously)
¼ oz    Lemon juice (same)
½ oz    Agave nectar
½ oz     Combier Liqueur d’Orange
2 small pieces of cantaloupe
Muddled goji berries
Cantaloupe foam
Top with salt, pepper and edible flower

Cantaloupe Foam
8 oz     Fresh squeezed cantaloupe juice
1 oz     Agave nectar
½ oz    Combier Liqueur d’Orange
4 oz    Egg whites
½ tsp    gelatin powder

Add all ingredients into an ISI cream foamer, charge, shake and apply.