Division Bell

Instructions

1. Chill your Coupe glass thoroughly before starting.

2. Combine the mezcal, Aperol, Maraschino liqueur, and fresh lime juice in your cocktail shaker.

3. Fill the shaker generously with ice cubes.

4. Secure the lid and shake vigorously for about 15-20 seconds, ensuring the mixture is well-chilled.

5. Double strain the cocktail through a fine-mesh strainer into the pre-chilled Coupe glass to remove ice shards.

6. Garnish with a fresh grapefruit wedge.

Trivia

• What does a Division Bell cocktail taste like?

  The Division Bell offers a complex flavour journey. You'll first notice the smokiness from the mezcal, quickly followed by the bittersweet orange notes of Aperol. The Maraschino liqueur adds a subtle sweetness and cherry/almond complexity, while the lime juice provides a necessary tartness that balances the drink and keeps it refreshing. It's smoky, bitter, slightly sweet, and tart all at once.

• Who invented the Division Bell cocktail?

  The Division Bell cocktail was created by acclaimed New York City bartender Phil Ward, known for his work at influential bars like Death & Co and Mayahuel. He created it around 2009, naming it after the Pink Floyd album. It's considered a modern classic and a variation on the Last Word cocktail structure.

• What kind of mezcal is best for a Division Bell?

  An Espadín mezcal is typically recommended for a Division Bell. Espadín is the most common agave used for mezcal and offers a good balance of smoke and agave flavour that complements the other ingredients without overpowering them. Choose a quality mezcal that you enjoy drinking on its own for the best results.

• Is the Division Bell related to the Last Word cocktail?

  Yes, the Division Bell is often considered a riff on the classic Last Word cocktail. Both follow a similar structure of equal or near-equal parts base spirit, liqueur, herbal/bitter element, and citrus. The Division Bell swaps gin for mezcal, Green Chartreuse for Aperol, and keeps the Maraschino liqueur and lime juice, creating a distinctly different but related profile.

• Can I substitute Aperol in a Division Bell?

  While Aperol provides the signature bittersweet orange flavour and vibrant colour, you could experiment with other bitter aperitifs like Campari (for a more bitter profile) or perhaps a different Italian amaro, though this will significantly change the drink's character. Sticking with Aperol is recommended for the authentic Division Bell experience.

• What glass is used for a Division Bell?

  The Division Bell is traditionally served straight up (without ice) in a chilled Coupe glass. The elegant shape of the Coupe glass complements the cocktail's sophisticated character and showcases its appealing pinkish-orange hue. A Martini glass could also be used if a Coupe is unavailable, but the Coupe is preferred.