Photography By Matthew Cannon
On his last trip to Mexico, Meli European Taverna’s beverage director, Niko Zissis, visited a distillery of an artisanal tequila producer in the town of Tequila. While touring the facilities, Zissis noticed a peacock that appeared to be following them around the estate, which exists on the mountainside of the Tequila Volcano (Volcán de Tequila). When asked about him, the distiller laughed and said, that’s Kevin! “It appears that Kevin has taken it upon himself to guard the distillery from strangers,” explains Zissis.
Embellished for the sake of good storytelling, the tale of a feathers-blazing peacock chasing Zissis is now expressively told when guests order the Kevin the Peacock cocktail at Meli. Served in a peacock tiki glass, the drink combines 100-percent agave blanco tequila with Espadin mezcal and adds strawberry, watermelon, chili, fresh basil, squeezed lemon juice and an almond orgeat syrup. “We wanted to find a largersized glass for this drink, plus something that would have a little flair to describe the flavor combinations of the drink, so we found the Kevin,” says Zissis. “We also pour some overproof rum in a pressed lime as a garnish, which we of course light on fire!”
The cocktail is fruity and fresh, featuring a touch of chili and smoke as well as a hint of almond. Zissis recommends enjoying it with Meli’s tuna tartare, their sea bass or the astakos macaronada (spaghetti lobster).
Now, Kevin the peacock is popular in both Jalisco and Easton, confirms Zissis.
322 Northampton St., Easton 610.672.4730 | melieaston.com
Published as "Drink This" in the November 2024 edition of Lehigh Valley Style magazine.
