¡fuego! Recipe

Prepare glass and smoke

If using a cocktail smoker or smoking gun, pre-smoke the serving glass (Patrón iconic gold presente). Place the glass upside-down or cover it and introduce smoke for 10–15 seconds, then keep covered to capture smoke while you build the drink. If you prefer a quick aromatic hint, toast a pinch of cinnamon or wood chips over a flame and trap smoke under the glass for 10–15 seconds.

Add 2.25 oz Patrón Añejo, 0.5 oz dark crème de cacao, 0.5 oz xocolatl mole syrup, 3 dashes orange bitters and 0.25 oz simple syrup (optional, only if you prefer slightly sweeter balance) into a mixing tin.

Break or shave half of the chocolate cigar finely (about 0.5 of the cigar) and add the pieces into the tin. Reserve the other half for garnish if desired. The cigar adds concentrated chocolate aroma and a dry cocoa richness.

Add 5 large ice cubes to the tin. Double-strain is recommended for a very clean, stiff cocktail; first pour through the shaker strainer, then through a fine mesh strainer to remove tiny solids from the cigar.

Shake vigorously for 12–18 seconds until the outside of the tin is well chilled and the shake produces a slightly frothy chocolate collar. This is a bold, stiff cocktail, so shake firmly to integrate and slightly dilute the high-proof spirit.

Remove the cover trapping the smoke from the prepared glass and invert or pour the captured smoke into the glass for pronounced aroma. Immediately double-strain the cocktail into the smoked Patrón iconic gold presente over no ice (served neat/stiff).

Express an orange peel over the drink to release oils, then wipe the rim with the peel and drop the twist into the cocktail or rest it on the rim.

Garnish with a thin shaving of dark chocolate or sprinkle 1 tsp grated dark chocolate (or a small pinch of cocoa nibs) on top for texture and aroma. If you reserved half the chocolate cigar, place it across the rim as a dramatic garnish.

Serve immediately while the smoke aroma is still present. Recommend serving one per guest—this is a bold, high-proof, dessert-style yet dry cocktail.