X.Y.Z. Cocktail

The name suggests a bookend to the A.B.C. concept to cocktail making. Yes, this is a simple recipe, but it isn't your usual ingredients. The X.Y.Z. is a light and refreshing sour drink made with rum, a little like a Margarita or a Daiquiri.

The thing that sets this cocktail apart is the large component of curacao, a rum based orange liqueur. In this case, I substituted Vitae orange liqueur because it is also rum based and stronger than triple sec. It has its own texture and scent that comes partly because of its aromatic rum distillate and mostly from its unusual use of hearty oranges that grow in Virginia. These bitter oranges really add character to this cocktail that is now my favorite new discovery. 

• 2 oz. light rum
• 1 oz. curacao (Vitae orange liqueur used)
• 1/2 oz. lemon juice

Combine all ingredients in a shaker with ice. Shake and strain into a chilled cocktail glass.