My Ex’s Sweater is the cocktail with a sense of humor and a little fire in its heart. Smoky, herbal, and just spicy enough to keep you interested, it is one of the most talked-about signature cocktails at Camp West, our 21+ cabin-inspired craft cocktail bar in the West Seattle Junction. It is the drink for anyone who likes a little drama with their craft cocktail, complex, bittersweet, and impossible to forget. Order it in West Seattle and find out why this one keeps everybody talking.
What’s In It
This cocktail layers mezcal, Aperol, basil, lime, fire bitters, and rhubarb bitters. Mezcal is the agave spirit prized for its smoky, earthy character, the backbone that gives this drink its campfire soul. Aperol is the bright orange Italian aperitivo built on bitter orange, gentian root, and rhubarb, bringing a bittersweet citrus glow. Fresh basil adds a green, aromatic herbal lift, lime keeps it tart and balanced, and a dash each of fire bitters and rhubarb bitters delivers gentle heat and a tart, vegetal complexity that ties the whole thing together.
How It Tastes
Smoky, bittersweet, herbaceous, and warm. Mezcal leads with its signature smoke, Aperol layers in bittersweet orange, and fresh basil brightens it all with a savory-green aroma. Fresh lime adds zip, while the fire bitters bring a subtle, lingering warmth and the rhubarb bitters add a tart, slightly earthy edge. It is bold and layered, the kind of drink that reveals something new with every sip and finishes long and intriguing.
The Story Behind the Name
You know the one, the sweater you never gave back, equal parts cozy and complicated. My Ex’s Sweater is that feeling in a glass: warm and smoky, a little bittersweet, with just enough fire to remind you why it was memorable. It is a cheeky wink to the things we hold onto, served with a smile around the Camp West fire.
What to Pair It With
The smoke and spice love bold, savory dishes. The Anatolian Bites are a spiced, shareable natural match, while the Peri Peri Cauliflower leans into the cocktail’s gentle heat. For something hearty, the Steak Tip Fettuccine stands up beautifully to all that smoke. Browse the full dine-in menu for more pairings.
FAQ
Is My Ex’s Sweater spicy?
It has a gentle, warming heat from the fire bitters, more of a subtle glow than a burn, balanced by smoke, citrus, and fresh basil.
What do fire bitters and rhubarb bitters do?
Fire bitters add a touch of warming spice, while rhubarb bitters contribute a tart, vegetal complexity that rounds out the bittersweet profile.
Is it a smoky drink?
Yes. Mezcal gives it a distinct campfire smokiness that defines the cocktail’s bold character.
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