Chill Weekend Bash: Sparkling Mezcal & Picanha Magic

Hey there!. You know, life's been a whirlwind of to-dos lately, leaving little room to continue with our garden project. But hey, we make it a point to spend a bit of time in  our garden vibes at least once a week. This past weekend was special, though. We had our close friends over to toast to their engagement - a big deal, right? So, we planned a laid-back afternoon filled with bites and sips.

The  Menu

Our spread? Think tapas-style - loads of small, flavor-packed dishes. My better half took the reins on most of them, whipping up wonders as usual, while I zeroed in on what I do best: that killer picanha steak and playing bartender with a twist.

Given the scorcher we were dealing with, I mixed up something to beat the heat - Sparkling Mezcal Water. Trust me, it's like a cool breeze in a glass, with a kick of smoky goodness. Here's how you can make your own:

Ingredients:

• Espadín mezcal, for that smoky undertone
• Fresh lemon juice and Key lime juice, for a citrusy zing
• Simple syrup, to sweeten the deal
• A pinch of fine sea salt, to elevate the flavors
• Sparkling water, for that bubbly personality
• Ice cubes, to keep things cool

Method:

• In a large pitcher, stir together espadín mezcal, lemon juice, simple syrup, Key lime juice, and fine sea salt.
• Gently stir in sparkling water and ice cubes, mixing smoothly
• Pour the mixture evenly into 6 ice-filled glasses, each one ready to make a touchdown.
• Top each glass with a slice of grilled lime.

Tips & Tricks:

• Quality Mezcal: Choose a high-quality espadín mezcal for its smooth, smoky flavor. The quality of the mezcal can make or break this drink.
• Balance Your Sweetness: Adjust the amount of simple syrup based on the sweetness of your citrus juices and your personal taste preference. Start with less and add more as needed.
• Salt to Enhance Flavors: The pinch of fine sea salt is not just for taste; it also helps to enhance the flavors of the other ingredients, making the citrus notes pop and balancing the smokiness of the mezcal.
• Gentle Stir: When combining all the ingredients, stir gently to maintain the sparkling water's effervescence. A vigorous stir can flatten your drink.
• Garnish Thoughtfully: A thin slice of lime or a twist of orange peel can add both visual appeal and a hint of additional flavor to the drink. Even a sprig of fresh mint or thyme can introduce an interesting twist.
• Serve Immediately: To ensure maximum fizziness, serve the Sparkling Mezcal Water immediately after mixing. The longer it sits, the more carbonation it will lose.

Picanha Steaks: Because, Why Not?

Now, for the picanha. Ah, my absolute favorite. It’s simple but oh-so-spectacular. Here’s my go-to method:

Ingredients:

• Picanha steaks, the star players of your grill
• Salt and pepper

Method:

• Season your steaks generously with salt and pepper
• We’re going to reverse sear these, so preheat your grill to a steady 250°F.
• Place the steaks on the grill, letting them bask in the glory of slow heat, until they reach an internal temperature of 115°F.
• Take off the steaks and give them a sear in high heat.
• Let the steaks rest for 10 min and slice and serve. 
• You can top the steaks with the Jacobsen Garlic Salt, it adds that extra layer of flavor.

Tips & Tricks:

• Temperature Control: Use a meat thermometer to monitor the steak's internal temperature closely. Pulling the steak off the grill at the right temperature is key to achieving the perfect medium-rare to medium doneness.
• High Heat Sear: Use high-intensity heat that creates a beautiful crust without overcooking the interior. You could use a torch, do it directly over a fire or use a carbon steel pan over high heat.
• Slice Against the Grain: When it's time to serve, slice the picanha against the grain. This cuts through the muscle fibers, making each bite tender and easy to chew.

So, there you have it. Our engagement bash menu turned out to be a hit, proving once again that good company, tasty bites, and refreshing sips are all you need for a memorable evening. Whether you’re chilling in your garden or just looking for some culinary inspiration, remember - it’s all about enjoying the moment, the food, and, of course, the company.

Until next time, keep it cool and flavorful.