Brimstone Old Fasioned Recipe

Chill glass

Place an Old Fashioned (rocks) glass in the freezer or fill it with ice and water to chill while you build the cocktail (2–5 minutes).

Measure ingredients

Measure 2 oz rye whiskey, 0.5 oz blackstrap rum, 0.25 oz ancho chile liqueur, 0.25 oz simple syrup, 2 dashes Angostura bitters, and 0.25 tsp smoked cinnamon tincture. Have a large ice cube and an orange peel ready.

Discard the chilling ice/water from the glass if used to chill. Alternatively, use a separate mixing glass: add the measured rye whiskey, blackstrap rum, ancho chile liqueur, simple syrup, Angostura bitters and smoked cinnamon tincture into a mixing glass or shaker without ice first to check balance (optional).

Add plenty of mixing ice to the mixing glass. Stir the cocktail gently for 25–35 seconds (about 20–30 back-and-forth strokes) until well chilled, slightly diluted, and silky.

Place a single large ice cube into the chilled Old Fashioned glass.

Strain the stirred cocktail over the large ice cube into the glass.

Express the oils from the orange peel by holding it skin-side down about 2–3 inches above the drink and giving a firm squeeze so essential oils spray onto the surface. Run the peel around the rim and drop it into the drink as garnish.

Optional: For a dramatic, brimstone-like aroma, hold a pinch of cinnamon or a small piece of cinnamon bark above the drink and briefly flame it with a lighter to toast the oils, then carefully blow it out and quickly cover the glass for 2–3 seconds to trap smoke, or spritz a tiny amount (1 spritz) of brewed lapsang souchong tea or smoked tea tincture over the drink for an immediate smoky scent.

Serve immediately and suggest sipping slowly to enjoy the interplay of spicy ancho, smoky cinnamon, dark molasses rum, and warm rye notes.