Smoke No Mirrors Recipe

Cocktail

1. 1

   Chill glass

   Place a rocks glass (or coupe if preferred) in the freezer for a few minutes or fill it with ice and water to chill while you build the cocktail.

2. 2

   Build and stir

   Add the Los Vecinos Espadín Mezcal (2 oz), Black Note Amaro (0.75 oz), OM Chocolate Liqueur (0.5 oz), Ancho Reyes (0.25 oz), fresh orange juice (0.5 oz) and 2 dashes of orange bitters into a mixing glass or shaker filled with large ice cubes. Stir gently for 20–30 seconds until well chilled and properly diluted (the outside of the mixing glass should feel cold and slightly frosted).

3. 3

   Prepare glass

   If you chilled the glass with ice and water, dump the ice and water out now. Place 1–2 large fresh ice cubes into the chilled rocks glass.

4. 4

   Strain

   Double-strain the mixture from the mixing glass into the prepared rocks glass over the fresh large ice cube(s) using a julep or Hawthorne strainer and a fine mesh strainer to catch any small solids.

5. 5

   Garnish and finish

   Express an orange twist over the drink by holding the twist skin-side down above the glass and giving it a good squeeze to release oils, then rub the peel around the glass rim and drop it into the drink. For extra aroma and showmanship, optionally flame the orange peel: hold a lit match or lighter between the peel and the drink, quickly squeeze so a little oil flames and passes over the surface, then drop the peel in. Serve immediately.

6. 6

   Tasting notes

   The mezcal provides smoky backbone while the Black Note Amaro adds herbal bittersweet depth. Chocolate liqueur brings cocoa richness, and Ancho Reyes adds a warm ancho chili warmth. The orange brightens and ties the flavors together.