In the world of cocktails, some are meant to tell a story—Smoke & Mirrors is that narrative, a compelling take on the Penicillin that enchants with its smoky whispers and citrusy undertones. It's a drink that plays with the senses, offering depth, warmth, and an air of mystery with every sip.

 

Ingredients:

• 2 oz Courage & Conviction Bourbon Cask: The base of this tale, with toasty notes and a hint of smoke.
• 1 oz Black Cardamom Honey Syrup: A rich, smoky-sweet symphony.
• 0.75 oz Fresh Lemon Juice: The sharpness to cut through the sweetness and balance it perfectly.
• 3 dashes Bitterman’s Ginger Bitters: For a zesty ginger kick without added sweetness.
• 1 dash Bittercube Blackstrap Bitters: Deep and earthy, contributing an additional layer of smokiness.
• Garnish: A theatrically flamed orange peel to enchant the olfactory senses.
• Ice: Rocks

 

Glassware: Rocks Glass

 

Instructions:

1. Concoct with Care: Into a shaker tin, combine the Courage & Conviction Bourbon Cask, black cardamom honey syrup, lemon juice, and the array of bitters.
2. Shake to Invoke the Smoke: Add ice and shake, not just to chill, but to infuse the cocktail with the mystery of the smoke and the clarity of the ice.
3. Pour with Precision: Double strain into a rocks glass, capturing the cocktail's essence without any trace of the ice's dilution.
4. Garnish with a Flare: Garnish with a flamed orange peel, bringing a final, smoky note to the surface.

 

Black Cardamom Honey Syrup (2:1):

Ingredients:

• 200 g Honey
• 100 g Water
• 10 g Black Cardamom Pods (whole)
• Yield: ~ 1.25 cups

Preparation:

• Warm honey, water, and black cardamom just before boiling, then remove from heat. Let the cardamom infuse its smoky magic for 30 minutes before straining.

 

Flavor Notes:

The Smoke & Mirrors is a complex cocktail, where the traditional peatiness of the Penicillin is replaced with the toasted nuance of Courage & Conviction Bourbon Cask and the unique smokiness of black cardamom. The ginger bitters lend their spicy warmth, complemented by the earthy tones of blackstrap bitters, while the flamed orange peel conjures a final touch of charred sweetness.

 

A Sip of Intrigue:

With each sip, the Smoke & Mirrors invites you to peel back layers of flavor, discovering the heart of a classic cocktail reinvented. It's a testament to the craft of cocktail making, where tradition meets innovation in a glass filled with shadows and whispers. So, raise your glass to the magic of mixology and the stories yet to be told.