Tricky tequila

La Venadita’s Carter Beats the Devil cocktail ($10) is named after Glen David Gold’s mystery novel about a 1920s magician, but the only illusion that this drink performs is how it tricks one into a sense of complacency. It’s made with tequila reposado, mezcal, lime and agave. The chicanery, however, is revealed via its healthy dash of scorching chile tincture. On first sip, the cocktail goes down icy and refreshing. Give it a moment, though, and wait for the burn to land at the back of your throat with a fierce gusto—and then never let up. Magical. 3501 Third Avenue; www.lavenaditasac.com.