Don Kiss Q Recipe

Make the infusion

Combine 1 cup aged dark rum, 2 cinnamon sticks, 6 whole allspice berries and the split half vanilla bean in a clean, airtight jar. Seal and shake gently to distribute spices.

Let the mixture steep at room temperature for 48 hours, shaking gently twice a day. After 48 hours taste: the rum should have a warm cinnamon note and a hint of vanilla and allspice. If you prefer stronger spice, continue infusion up to 5 days, tasting daily.

When the infusion reaches desired strength, strain the rum through a fine mesh sieve lined with cheesecloth into a clean bottle. Discard solids. Label bottle and refrigerate or store in a cool dark place until needed. Yield: about 1 cup spiced rum.

Prepare syrup

In a small saucepan combine 0.5 cup granulated sugar and 0.25 cup water over medium heat. Stir until sugar dissolves and mixture comes to a gentle simmer.

Add 2 tablespoons fresh orange zest and 0.5 teaspoon ground cinnamon to the simmering syrup. Stir to incorporate and simmer gently for 2 minutes to bloom the spices and release oils from the zest.

Remove the pan from heat. Add 0.5 cup fresh orange juice, stir to combine, and let the syrup cool to room temperature for 20–30 minutes so the orange and cinnamon flavors meld.

Strain the syrup through a fine mesh sieve to remove zest and any cinnamon clumps. Transfer to a clean jar and refrigerate. Syrup will keep for up to 2 weeks refrigerated. Yield: about 3/4 cup syrup.

Chill glass

If serving up, chill a coupe or rocks glass in the freezer for 5–10 minutes. If serving on the rocks, fill a rocks glass with ice and set aside.

Mix cocktail

In a cocktail shaker filled with ice add 2 oz cinnamon-orange infused rum, 0.5 oz cinnamon-orange syrup, 0.5 oz fresh lime juice, 0.25 oz orange liqueur and 2 dashes Angostura bitters. Shake vigorously for 10–12 seconds to chill and slightly dilute.

If serving short (up), double-strain into the chilled coupe. If serving on the rocks, pour over fresh ice in the prepared rocks glass. For a lighter, more effervescent finish, top with 1 oz club soda, gently stir once.

Garnish

Express the orange peel over the drink to release oils, then rim the glass with the peel and drop it in. Add a small cinnamon stick as an aromatic garnish. Serve immediately.