Butterfly Catcher

To toast the marvelous, menacing Butterfly Box, I’ve devised a tasty tipple sure to catch your fancy.  Since the designer “caught” me in his trap I raise my glass to him with the “Butterfly Catcher” cocktail.  Created by Adele Stratton of San Diego’s fabulous secret bar, Noble Experiment, the “Fly Catcher” is a perfect summer drink which highlights the bright sweet flavor of watermelon and balances it with smoky mezcal and bitter Campari, all sweetened with a touch of almond syrup.  The drink is absolutely delicious.  I infused the mezcal in mine with dried Butterfly Pea plant leaves, for a number of reasons.  First of all, this allowed me to call it the Butterfly Catcher, which was useful for obvious reasons.  Next, Butterfly plant leaves lend a brilliant blue or indigo color to things, which makes the drink look lovely.  If you mix the drink without the acid component (such as the lime juice in this drink), then add it slowly later, you can watch the drink change colors from bright blue to purple, which is a nice cocktail magic trick.  Additionally, the Butterfly Pea plant has been used in ancient Asian medicine for its reported anti-stress, antianxiety, antidepressant, tranquilizing and sedative properties – which may be very helpful after trying to solve this puzzle.  Finally, the Butterfly Pea plant is from a particular plant genus which I suspect Wil Strijbos would enjoy.  Those of you who know your taxonomy will understand.  Wishing you all the pleasures, with no pain, that life has to offer – cheers!

Butterfly Catcher adapted from Adele Stratton

Butterfly Catcher – adapted from Adele Stratton

1 ½ oz mezcal infused with Butterfly Pea leaf

1 ½ oz watermelon juice

¾ oz fresh lime juice

¾ oz Campari

½ oz orgeat

Pinch of salt

Shake ingredients together with ice and strain into a favorite glass filled with crushed ice.  Don’t be fooled – this will ease your pain.

This pair will give you butterflies