The Joey Fumosa Recipe

Chill glass

Place an old-fashioned glass or rocks glass in the freezer for 5–10 minutes, or fill with ice water while you prepare the cocktail to pre-chill.

If using a fresh blood orange, roll it firmly on the counter to release juices, then cut and juice to measure 2 oz.

Combine ingredients

In a cocktail shaker, add 2 oz blood orange juice, 1.5 oz bourbon, 0.5 oz maple syrup, 0.25 oz fresh lemon juice, and 3 dashes Angostura bitters.

Add ice and shake

Fill the shaker about two-thirds with ice (roughly 1 cup). Shake vigorously for 10–12 seconds, until the shaker feels very cold and slightly frosty.

Prepare serving glass

Remove the chilled glass from the freezer or dump out the ice water. If using a large ice ball, place it in the glass now. Otherwise fill the glass with fresh large ice cubes.

Strain

Double-strain the shaken cocktail into the prepared glass over the ice using a Hawthorne and fine mesh strainer to catch pulp and small ice chips.

Float bourbon

Slowly pour 0.5–1 oz of additional bourbon over the back of a spoon to float it gently on top of the cocktail. (If you prefer less alcohol on top, use 0.5 oz.)

Add bitters

Dot 1–2 extra dashes of Angostura bitters on the bourbon float surface for aroma and visual interest.

Smoke the cocktail

Place the large cinnamon stick or a small pile of orange wood chips in a metal smoking tin or small heatproof dish. Ignite with a smoking torch or lighter until a steady smoke forms, then cover briefly with the serving glass (inverted) or a small cloche to capture smoke. Alternatively, position the torch to smolder the chips and direct smoke into the glass. Let the cocktail sit under the smoke for 30–45 seconds to absorb aroma, then remove the glass, lifting the cloche to let a puff of smoke release.

Garnish & serve

Garnish with a blood orange wheel (or dehydrated slice) perched on the rim and a cinnamon stick laid across the glass for aroma. Serve immediately so the smoky aroma is prominent.

Adjust maple syrup to taste — use 0.25 oz if you prefer less sweetness, or up to 0.75 oz for a sweeter cocktail. For a stronger smoke note, extend smoking time to 60 seconds but avoid overpowering the fruit notes.