Name: Smoked and Improved Brandy Cocktail
Total time: 15 min
Ingredients: 2 ounces brandy; 1 teaspoon maraschino liqueur; 1 teaspoon recipe; ⅛ teaspoon absinthe; ⅛ teaspoon old-fashioned aromatic bitters; Orange twist for garnishing

Why This Recipe Works

In the late 19th century, cocktails were often very simple—usually just a base spirit, a bit of water, sugar, and perhaps some bitters, the foundation of what we now call the old-fashioned. Then came the improved cocktail, a step forward in complexity; it introduced small quantities of ingredients like absinthe and maraschino liqueur to enhance depth and provide balance. Here, we evolve further—improving an improved cocktail with the transformative power of smoke. This aromatic garnish doesn’t just enhance the presentation; it adds an elusive depth of flavor that liquid ingredients alone can’t achieve, creating a multisensory experience that lingers long after each sip.

Before You Begin

We developed this recipe using hickory and applewood as our smoking materials, but feel free to experiment with other varieties of wood shavings. You can use whiskey or rum in place of the brandy. Other dry anise-flavored spirits (such as Herbsaint, pastis, or dry anisette) can be substituted for the absinthe. The use of a portable smoker adds another layer of flavor to this cocktail, but you can also enjoy it without smoke, if desired.

Instructions

Add 2 ounces brandy, 1 teaspoon maraschino liqueur, 1 teaspoon simple syrup, ⅛ teaspoon absinthe, and ⅛ teaspoon old-fashioned aromatic bitters to mixing glass, then fill three-quarters full with ice. Using bar spoon, stir until mixture is just combined and well chilled, about 1 minute. Strain cocktail into chilled rocks glass.

To smoke cocktail, place small saucer or lid over glass. Following manufacturer’s instructions, turn on portable smoke infuser and ignite desired smoking material. Once smoke begins exiting hose, partially lift saucer, place tip of hose in opening, and fill glass with smoke. Quickly remove hose and replace saucer. Turn off smoker and extinguish smoking material. Let smoke infuse cocktail for 15 seconds, then remove saucer. Garnish with orange twist and serve.