Bon Bon Bum Recipe

Melt butter in a small light-colored skillet over medium heat. Swirl occasionally. After a few minutes the butter will foam and then the milk solids will begin to brown and smell nutty; watch closely so it doesn't burn (3–5 minutes total). Remove from heat as soon as you see golden brown specks and a nutty aroma.

Immediately add the maple syrup to the browned butter and stir to combine. Return to low heat for 1 minute to meld flavors, then remove from heat and let cool slightly.

Stir in a pinch of sea salt. Transfer to a small jar, cool to room temperature, then refrigerate. The syrup will thicken slightly as it cools. Yields about 6–8 oz.

In a small bowl, whisk lucuma powder and cacao powder with the warm water until smooth and lump-free, forming a thick paste.

Add the neutral spirit (vodka) or additional warmed simple syrup to the paste and whisk until fully combined. If the mixture is too dry, add up to 1 tsp more warm water. If you prefer additional sweetness, stir in the optional 0.5 tbsp simple syrup.

Strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve or coffee filter into a small jar to remove any grit. Refrigerate. This cordial will keep in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. Yields about 3–4 oz.

Chill an old-fashioned glass by filling it with ice or placing it in the freezer briefly.

Add 2 oz bourbon, 0.5 oz brown butter maple syrup, 0.25 oz lucuma cacao cordial, 0.25 oz fresh lemon juice, 2 dashes aromatic bitters, and 1 dash chocolate/cacao bitters into a mixing glass.

Fill the mixing glass with ice and stir briskly for 20–30 seconds until well chilled and slightly diluted (aim for about 15–20% dilution for a spirit-forward cocktail).

Discard the ice from the chilled serving glass and place one large clear ice cube in it. Strain the cocktail over the ice cube.

Express an orange twist over the drink (or briefly flame the peel if desired) to release oils, then wipe the rim with the peel and drop it into the glass.

Optional: grate a little dark chocolate or sprinkle a few cacao nibs on top for aroma and visual effect.

Serve immediately.