Dragon Of The Winds Recipe

Optional rim

If using grated chocolate/cocoa nibs on the rim, lightly wet the outside rim of a double old-fashioned glass with a lime wedge, then dip the rim into grated dark chocolate or cocoa nibs to coat. Set glass aside in the freezer or fridge to chill.

Prepare a dehydrated orange or lime wheel and set aside for garnish.

Fill a cocktail shaker with crushed or cracked ice until about half full.

Add aged dark rum (2 oz), cacao liqueur (0.5 oz), orange curaçao (0.5 oz), fresh lime juice (0.75 oz), fresh pineapple juice (1 oz), and simple syrup (0.5 oz) into the shaker.

Add 2 dashes of Angostura bitters into the shaker. The bitters add depth and tie the cacao and root beer flavors together.

Shake vigorously for 10–12 seconds until the shaker is well chilled and slightly frosted. This chills and slightly dilutes the mixture, rounding the flavors.

Fill the prepared double old-fashioned glass with fresh crushed ice, leaving room at the top for the root beer.

Double-strain the shaken mixture over the crushed ice to remove shards and ensure a smooth pour.

Top gently with 3 oz chilled root beer. Pour slowly over the back of a spoon or down the side of the glass to preserve some effervescence and create a subtle layered effect with the overproof rum float if using.

If using the optional overproof rum float (0.25 oz), carefully pour it over the back of a spoon so it floats on top.

Garnish with the dehydrated citrus wheel on the rim and finish with a light sprinkle (about 1/2 tsp) of grated dark chocolate or cocoa nibs across the top.

Serve immediately with a short straw. Advise the guest to gently stir once to integrate the root beer with the shaken base, or sip layered to experience the contrasting notes of cacao, citrus, and spiced root beer.