GAYLETTER

If you haven’t heard yet, this coming Monday marks a total solar eclipse: the moon will pass directly in front of the sun, putting anyone in the path of totality in the dark (yes, during the day, it’s groundbreaking). I don’t know a lot about the stars and space, but I do know that I’m a Leo and that I love a drink — especially if it involves tequila.

To help us celebrate this very special celestial occasion, Jose Cuervo sent over a recipe we thought sounded too delicious, and, with only four ingredients, too easy not to try.

The recipe for “Dark Side of the Sun” is as follows:

2 oz. Jose Cuervo Especial
¾ oz. lime juice
¾ oz. 1:1 simple syrup
½ oz. Crème de Cassis

We substituted agave nectar for the simple syrup because we aren’t simple, and we recommend Lejay Crème de Cassis for your black currant liqueur needs. (It’s only $16!)

Shake tequila, lime, and sweetening syrup and pour into a rocks glass over ice. Top ice with Crème de Cassis and garnish with mint if you actually remember to buy it on your Whole Foods run and a lime wedge because duh.

My favorite part of this cocktail is that you can make your own twist on it and still be (kinda) sure it’ll taste good. The color of our masterpieces turned out on the light ombre pink side, ultimately very gay for our very gay office. The agave nectar gave the drink some proper sweetness, while the Jose presents flavors that are oaky and refreshing. Consider this drink like a Pat McGrath smokey-eye: Gorgeous, light, effortless and totally fierce.

Dark Side of the Sun is a good appetite-whetting tool for a scene to remember. Or forget. Either way, it’s tequila, you can’t be mad!