My Facebook posts about this cocktail always elicit comments about or quotes from Robin Williams’ iconic performance in Dead Poets Society, but I can’t prove on paper that there’s any connection between the drink and the film. Likewise, with the tequila and mezcal front and center, one might expect this was a tribute by some bartender to one of Mexico’s great poets–perhaps Octavio Paz or Pita Amor.

Nope. I found this recipe in Imbibe Magazine three years ago, and–brace yourself–it came from … Halifax. Yes, Nova Scotia (that’s Canadian for ‘new Scotland’). In most non-geographic respects, Halifax is about as far from Jalisco and Oaxaca as a person can get without going clear to one of the earth’s poles.

But let’s all confess and agree that, here in the chilly northern latitudes of the United States and Canada, we like us some tequila (and rum!) drinks even in the dead of winter, to transport our shivering souls to the sun and warmth of some tropical shore. Cheers!

But go ahead; do a poetry reading while you enjoy this drink. It’ll help. “O Captain, my captain … .”

DEAD POET
1 oz Blanco tequila
1 oz Dry vermouth (and not the cheap stuff)
1/2 oz Mezcal
1/2 oz Benedictine D.O.M.
1 tsp Yellow Chartreuse
2 dashes Orange bitters (preferably Fee Brothers Gin Barrel Aged Orange Bitters)

In a mixing glass, stir all ingredients with ice, then strain into a chilled coupe or Martini glass. Garnish with a lime twist.