Add 2 oz Bulleit Bourbon, 0.25 oz sugar reduction (2:1 simple syrup), 4 dashes blood orange bitters and 1 dash Angostura bitters (optional) into a mixing glass.

Stir with ice

Fill the mixing glass with ice and stir with a bar spoon for 20–30 seconds until well chilled and properly diluted (the outside of the glass should feel very cold).

Prepare glass

Place a single large ice cube into a chilled rocks glass.

Strain

Double-strain or use the Hawthorne to pour the chilled cocktail over the large ice cube in the rocks glass.

Garnish & Cherry Smoke

Prepare orange twist

Use a peeler or channel knife to cut a 1.5–2 inch wide strip of orange peel (preferably blood orange). Express the oils over the drink by holding the peel skin-side down above the glass and giving it a firm twist, then rub the peel on the glass rim and drop it in.

Smoke with cherry wood

Place a small chunk of cherry wood on a heatproof surface or spoon and ignite with a torch until it smolders and produces smoke (or light charcoal with the wood on top). Quickly invert a smoking cloche or an inverted mixing glass/small metal bowl over the rocks glass to capture the smoke around the cocktail. If using a spoon, transfer the smoldering wood under the cloche carefully. Let the cocktail sit in the smoke for 10–20 seconds for a pronounced cherry-smoked aroma. Lift the cloche and immediately place the Luxardo cherry on a cocktail pick and rest it on the glass edge or drop it into the drink.

Serve

Present the drink while the smoke is still visible or rising. Advise the drinker to inhale the aroma before sipping for the full 'Dragon's Breath' effect.

Tools & Safety

When igniting wood, work in a well-ventilated area away from flammable materials. Use tongs or a spoon to handle smoldering wood. Extinguish any remaining embers in water or sand after use.