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Smoky Spiced Orange Cocktail

This Smoky Spiced Orange Cocktail blends warm spice, bright citrus, and a gentle smoke, making for a delicious and easy-to-make drink for special occasions or casual gatherings.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 2 servings
Course: Beverage, Cocktail
Cuisine: American
Calories: 150
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the cocktail base
  • 2 oz mezcal (or smoked bourbon) Use mezcal for a true smoky note or smoked bourbon.
  • 0.75 oz fresh orange juice (about half an orange) Use fresh for best flavor.
  • 0.5 oz spiced orange simple syrup See below for recipe.
  • 0.25 oz fresh lemon juice Optional, for balance.
  • 2 dashes orange bitters or Angostura bitters
  • 1 cup ice For shaking.
  • 1 slice orange peel or baked orange slice For garnish.
For the spiced orange simple syrup
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 cup sugar (or erythritol or monk fruit for low carb/diabetic-friendly)
  • 1 peel orange Avoid white pith.
  • 1 stick cinnamon
  • 2 whole cloves
  • 1 whole star anise Optional.

Method
 

Make the spiced orange syrup
  1. In a small saucepan, combine water, sugar (or sugar substitute), orange peel, cinnamon stick, cloves, and star anise.
  2. Bring to a simmer over medium heat. Stir until the sugar dissolves.
  3. Lower the heat and simmer for 8–10 minutes until fragrant.
  4. Turn off heat and let the mixture cool with the peel and spices for 20–30 minutes.
  5. Strain into a jar and chill. This syrup keeps in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
Prepare the cocktail
  1. Add mezcal, fresh orange juice, lemon juice (if using), spiced syrup, and bitters into a shaker filled with ice.
  2. Shake well for 10–15 seconds until cold.
  3. Strain into a rocks glass over fresh ice or into a chilled coupe glass.
  4. Garnish with a strip of orange peel or a baked orange slice. Express the peel over the drink to release oils, then drop it in.
  5. For a smoky touch, light the peel briefly atop the glass and cover to trap smoke, or use a smoking gun.
  6. Serve immediately and sip slowly to enjoy the warm spice and citrus.

Notes

To make a lighter cocktail, use less syrup and top with soda water. For a mocktail version, swap spirit for smoked tea or cold-brewed strong black tea with a splash of liquid smoke.