I can't say I have a history of pulling successful recipes from my dreams, but I literally dreamed this combination and it turned out delicioso! I especially like the forwardness of the mezcal flavor, as well as the contrast between the prickly sparkling water and the numbing of the anise. The concept of a Mayan margarita isn't original, but this is my own creation.
La Margarita Maya
1.5 oz. / 45 mL fresh lime juice, with some finely grated zest mixed in
.5 oz / 15 mL mezcal (gold or reposado tequila can be substituted)
.5 oz / 15 mL xtabentun (a Mayan honey liqueur scented with anise; can substitute equal parts honey and anís / pastis /ouzo)
1 tablespoon / 15mL raw turbinado sugar (can substitute light brown sugar)
sparkling water
ice
Shake or stir the first four ingredients vigorously for several minutes (or use a blender) till the sugar is almost combined. Pour into an old-fashioned glass with ice and a few oz. sparkling water and stir once to combine.