Smoke Signals Recipe

Combine ingredients

Add bourbon, mezcal, sweet vermouth, maple syrup, Angostura bitters and orange bitters into a short mixing glass.

Stir and chill

Fill the mixing glass with plenty of ice and stir with a bar spoon for 25–30 seconds (about 20–30 revolutions) until well chilled and slightly diluted.

Prepare serving glass

Place a large ice cube or sphere in an Old Fashioned glass. Express a strip of orange peel over the chilled glass to release oils, then rub the peel around the rim and set aside for garnish.

Strain

Using a strainer, pour the mixed cocktail from the mixing glass into the prepared serving glass over the large ice cube.

Set up smoking equipment

Place the serving glass with the cocktail on a stable surface. Put a small portion of applewood chips on a heatproof spoon or in the bowl of a smoking gun. If using a torch, set the chips on a heatproof dish that fits under your cloche. Position the cloche (or large glass jar) upside down over the glass so the rim seals against the surface — enough space for smoke to fill but not so loose that it escapes quickly.

Generate smoke

Light the applewood chips with the torch until they smolder and produce smoke (or activate the smoking gun and draw smoke into the cloche). If using a torch, blow gently to encourage smoldering rather than flame. Once smoke is visible, quickly invert the lit spoon or place the smoldering chips under the cloche and cover immediately to trap smoke around the glass. If using a smoking gun, pump smoke into the cloche directly.

Infuse

Let the cocktail sit trapped under the cloche for 60–90 seconds for a pronounced smoke flavor, or 30–45 seconds for a milder note. Watch the smoke density and adjust time to taste. Avoid over-smoking which can overpower the spirit.

Finish and serve

Lift the cloche away from the drink carefully and allow a small swirl of smoke to escape for aroma. Garnish by dropping the expressed orange peel into the glass or resting it on the rim. Serve immediately so the first sip carries the smoked aroma.

Optional: Smoked Garnish Spark

For extra theatrical effect, briefly light the edge of the expressed orange peel with the torch, then immediately cup it and squeeze to spray a thin mist of flaming orange oil over the drink; extinguish any flame before serving. This adds a flash of caramelized citrus aroma — use caution with open flame.