The Bolden Flame

A luxurious, smoky interpretation of the old fashioned, this cocktail honors Nikki's bold spirit with refined layers of flavor and exquisite presentation. Mezcal’s complex smokiness is elevated by spiced sweetness and aromatic depth, creating an unforgettable sensory experience.

Ingredients

• 2 oz premium mezcal (e.g., Del Maguey Chichicapa or Los
• Amantes Añejo)
• 1/4 oz smoked maple syrup (crafted from dark amber maple
• syrup, gently smoked)
• 1/4 oz velvet falernum (artisanal, for a refined tropical spice
• note)
• 2 dashes Aztec chocolate bitters
• 1 dash orange bitters
• Pinch of smoked Maldon sea salt
• Garnish: Orange twist and star anise pod
• Optional: Lightly smoked rosemary sprig

Steps

1. Prepare the Glass: Chill a crystal old-fashioned glass
2. with a large, clear ice sphere. If desired, use a smoking
3. gun to delicately infuse the glass with rosemary smoke.
4. Mix the Cocktail: In a mixing glass, combine mezcal,
5. smoked maple syrup, velvet falernum, chocolate bitters,
6. orange bitters, and sea salt. Add ice and stir until
7. perfectly chilled.
8. Serve: Strain into the chilled glass over the ice sphere.
9. Garnish: Express the oils of an orange peel over the
10. drink and discard. Float a star anise pod on the surface,
11. and, if using, balance the smoked rosemary sprig on the
12. glass