Muña Magic
This cocktail draws its name and character from Muña — also known as Andean mint — a wild, high-altitude herb from the mint family, native to the Andean region of South America, where it thrives in highlands close to cities like Cusco and Puno. Muña carries a complex flavor profile that opens with a sharp peppermint note before deepening into woody, ginseng-like undertones, giving the cocktail an herbal complexity that's completely different from ordinary mint. Built on the bones of a classic Margarita — spirit, lime, and a touch of sweetness — this version swaps in a mezcal-tequila blend and lets Muña liqueur take the place of the usual orange liqueur, transforming a familiar favorite into something entirely its own. This cocktail and its chocolate pairing also share a common thread: both draw from the same South American plant family, celebrating one of the region's most distinctive flavors. A lime leaf garnish adds a final aromatic touch, echoing the drink's bright, plant-forward profile.
Ingredients
1.5 oz Espadín mezcal (Casamigos)
1.5 oz silver tequila (Casamigos)
1 oz sweet lime juice (reduces or eliminates the need for simple syrup)
0.75 oz muña liqueur (Ponderoso) — muña has a unique flavor, and substituting it would create a completely different cocktail
Lime leaf, for garnish
Steps
Add all ingredients to a shaker of your choice.
Add ice and shake vigorously.
Strain into your favorite Coupe glass.
Garnish with a lime leaf and enjoy.
Paired With
75% Peruvian Cacao with Muna from Tinky Chocolate
This bar from Peruvian tree to bar maker combines the fruity tartness of chuncho beans with the warm zingy taste of the mint like , but still not mint... muña! Completely satisfies both “non mint likers” and “mint lovers” alike. Using muña in both the cocktail and the chocolate creates a direct bridge between the two. The herbal liqueur brings freshness to the mezcal and tequila, while the fruity character of the Peruvian cacao adds depth without overpowering the unusual aromatic ingredient.