Aqua Vitae Recipe

Prepare shaker

Chill a rocks glass by filling it with ice and set aside. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.

Measure and pour

Into the shaker add 2 oz peated single malt whisky, 0.5 oz dry vermouth, and 0.25 oz herbal liqueur.

Add citrus and sweetener

Add 0.5 oz fresh lemon juice and 0.25 oz simple syrup to the spirits in the shaker.

Add bitters and smoked salt

Add 2 dashes of orange bitters and a pinch of smoked salt if using (the salt heightens the savory/smoky notes).

Vigorously shake the mixture for 12–15 seconds until well chilled and properly diluted (the shaker will frost on the outside).

Discard the ice from the chilled rocks glass. Place a single large ice cube into the glass.

Double-strain the cocktail from the shaker into the prepared rocks glass over the large ice cube to remove any small ice shards and citrus pulp.

Express the oils from a lemon peel over the drink by holding the peel skin-side down about 3–4 inches above the surface and giving it a firm twist. Run the rim of the glass with the peel, then drop it into the drink as a garnish.

Optional — for extra smoke: flame the lemon peel briefly over the surface (carefully) or pass a smoldering rosemary sprig over the glass to add an aromatic veil.

Serve immediately and enjoy slowly, savoring the interplay of peat smoke, herbaceous liqueur, bright lemon, and bitter-sweet notes.