Bodega Underground

Tequila’s smoky, sultry cousin, mezcal, is having a moment. To acquaint yourself with the seductive agave liquor, head to the Parliament end of Little Bourke Street and follow the bordello-esque red glow at the base of the Crossley Hotel. Here you’ll find Bodega Underground, a gritty-cool basement bar that riffs of the spirits and street foods of Mexico. Straight up, order a shot of mezcal and a shot of verdita, a punchy blend of pineapple, jalapeno, coriander and lime. The mezcal comes in a tiny ceramic teacup, which co-owner Jules Downing sourced on a research trip to Mexico. Take a sip of the mezcal, followed by a sip of the spicy, cleansing verdita. And repeat