Intercontinental O.f. Recipe

Infuse washing spirit

Place 2 tbsp neutral spirit or extra Suntory Toki in a small, airtight glass vial. Add 0.2 g fresh shaved black truffle or one drop (approx. 0.2 g) food-grade truffle oil. Seal and let sit at room temperature for 30–60 minutes, gently inverted once. Do not exceed 2 hours to avoid overpowering aroma.

After infusion, decant the spirit, leaving any solids behind. This truffle-wash will be used to lightly rinse the whisky bottle or to rinse the mixing glass (see final assembly). Store leftover wash refrigerated up to 48 hours.

Combine ingredients

In a small jar, stir together 3 tbsp agave nectar, 1 tsp freshly cracked black pepper, and 1 tbsp warm water until smooth and uniform. Warm water helps thin the agave for easier measuring and mixing.

Taste and adjust: if too sweet, add a 1/4 tsp water; if pepper flavor is weak, add up to 1/4 tsp more cracked pepper. Strain through a fine mesh if desired for a smoother texture. Refrigerate up to 2 weeks.

Truffle-wash the whisky (two options)

Option A (preferred): Pour 1.5 oz Suntory Toki into a mixing glass and add 1/8 tsp (about 0.75 ml) of the prepared truffle-wash, then swirl gently for 10–15 seconds and discard the wash. Option B: Rinse the inside of a chilled mixing glass or the serving glass with 1/2 tsp truffle-wash, swirl to coat, discard excess. Both methods impart a subtle truffle note without overwhelming the spirit.

Build and stir

Add the truffle-washed 1.5 oz Suntory Toki (if using Option A), 0.75 oz Hornitos Charred Oak Black Barrel Tequila Añejo, and 0.5 oz black pepper agave redux into a mixing glass. Add 2 dashes Angostura Aromatic Bitters and 1 dash Bittermens Xocolatl Mole Bitters.

Fill the mixing glass with large, fresh ice and stir briskly but smoothly for 25–30 seconds (or about 30–40 revolutions) until the mixture is well-chilled and slightly diluted (target ~20–25°F drop from spirits' starting temp). This develops texture and rounds the flavors.

Strain the chilled cocktail over a single large clear ice cube into an old-fashioned (rocks) glass that has optionally been rinsed with truffle-wash (if you used Option B above).

Garnish and finish

Express an orange peel over the drink by holding it over the glass and firmly pinching to spray oils across the surface, then rub the peel rim and drop the twist into the drink. Optionally, finish with a very light grind (one or two twists) of fresh black pepper over the top for an aromatic accent.