Cocktail: Mexican Monk at Varnish

When it comes to creating uniquely delicious cocktails, Eric Alperin is one of the best mixologists in town. And this week his bar, the Varnish — which is located in a warm, wooden speak-easy behind an unmarked door at Cole’s in downtown L.A. — is celebrating its two-year anniversary. Since the Varnish can be a tough room to get into (it’s among the best and most exclusive cocktail dens in the city), we thought we’d share one of Alperin’s signature cocktail recipes with you so that you can attempt to re-create his boozy magic at home. He describes this well-balanced mixture of tart lemon, earthy tequila, smooth coffee liqueur and Benedictine as a tequila Manhattan of sorts.

Mexican Monk

1/4 oz Benedictine

1/4 oz Caffé Lolita Coffee Liqueur

1/2 oz Lustau Los Arcos Dry Amantillado Sherry

2 oz Siete Leguas Reposado Tequila

Stir all ingredients with ice in a mixing glass and strain into a chilled coupe. Twist a lemon peel to spray into the drink and then drop in for garnish.

jessica.gelt@latimes.com