Honey bridges the strong competing flavors of mezcal and anisette, resulting in an earthy yet refreshing cocktail with a layer of smoky depth.
“The Mae Culpa is a labor of love — two immensely strong flavors working together to make a guilty pleasure, hence the name,” says Pete Argaluza, who created the cocktail. “A traditional smokey mezcal combined with the strong anise of Meletti work together in making a powerful cocktail while remaining light and refreshing.”
Pete notes that anisettes and mezcals are both typically less-requested spirits in Cary, but combining them “allows both spirits to shine bright in one cocktail. ”
1 ½ ounces Mintzcal (mint-infused mezcal)
½ ounce Luxardo Maraschino Liqueur
¼ ounce Meletti Anisette
¾ ounce honey
¾ ounce lemon juice
soda water
Combine all ingredients except soda water in a shaker with ice. Shake and strain into a flute. Top with soda water. Garnish with a mint sprig.
With a vast whiskey selection featuring bottles from all over the world, Dram & Draught aims to be your favorite neighborhood bar. Find the Mae Culpa at the Fenton location, but hurry! The Local Specialties menu rotates with the season.
- Garden Adventurer: Spinach Planting Time!
- Small Business Spotlight: Sweet Talk Cafe
- Irregardless of Time
- Liquid Assets: Beekeeper Honey Wheat Ale
- Liquid Assets: Mae Culpa
- Erica Chats: Rethinking Food
- Pay It Forward: Raleigh City Farm
- Her Garden Grows
- Burger Bonanza
- A Family Affair
- Buzzing with Purpose
- Buzz-Worthy Bites
- Things to Do: August 2025
