Fire Down Below Recipe

Sanitize and toast

If using oak chips, briefly rinse with a small amount (about 0.25 oz) of high-proof neutral spirit to sanitize, then carefully torch or toast the chips for a few seconds to activate aromatics and light char. Let chips cool to room temperature. If you purchased pre-toasted/charred chips, skip the torching step.

Place the prepared chips in a small glass screw-top jar or stainless steel container large enough to hold the finished cocktail (a 4–8 oz jar is convenient).

Combine spirits and modifiers

In a mixing glass, combine 1 oz Irish whiskey, 1 oz Rittenhouse rye, 0.5 oz Bonal, 0.25 oz Luxardo Maraschino, 0.125 oz absinthe, and 2 dashes orange bitters. Stir briefly to incorporate (5–10 seconds).

Transfer for oak contact

Pour the mixed cocktail into the jar containing the oak chips. Seal the jar tightly. For a light oak influence, rest for 20–30 minutes at room temperature; for medium influence, 45–60 minutes; for pronounced oak and char notes, 90–120 minutes. Taste periodically by pouring a small sample and returning the jar to continue aging until desired flavor is reached.

If you prefer not to wait, you can pour the mixed cocktail over a small amount of charred oak in a short glass and swirl for 1–2 minutes to get a quick flash of oak — expect a subtler, less integrated result than jar aging.

Strain and chill

When the cocktail reaches your preferred oak level, strain it from the jar through a fine mesh strainer (or double strain through a tea strainer) into a mixing glass with plenty of fresh ice. Stir for 20–30 seconds to chill and dilute to proper strength.

Prepare glassware

Strain the chilled cocktail into a rocks glass over a large ice cube (or serve neat in a chilled coupe if you prefer).

Garnish & aromatics

Express the oils of one large orange peel over the drink by holding it skin-side down and giving it a quick tight twist about 2–3 inches above the glass, then run the peel around the glass rim and drop it in. Optionally, garnish with a Luxardo or brandied cherry on a pick.

Serve immediately and note the layered interplay: rye spice, Irish whiskey roundness, Bonal bittersweetness, maraschino fruit, a hint of absinthe, and the warm backbone of new oak.