Ingredients: (Makes 1 drink)

• 2 oz (60 ml) bourbon or rye whiskey
• 1 tsp simple syrup (Instructions in Tips)
• 5 dashes Angostura bitters
• 1/2 tsp of Maraschino cherry syrup
• Orange peel (for garnish)
• Maraschino cherry

Instructions:

1. Add the syrup and bitters: In a large cocktail mixing glass add the simple syrup, cherry syrup and bitters.
2. Add the whiskey: Pour the bourbon or rye whiskey into the glass over the simple syrup and bitters.
3. Add ice: Fill the cocktail mixing glass with ice cubes. Stir gently using a bar spoon to combine and chill the drink.
4. Prep glass: Grab a rock glass or lowball glass and add a large ice cube. Using a large ice cube helps keep your drink cool with minimizing melting.
5. Pour drink: Using a cocktail stainer, pour your chilled drink over your prepared rock glass.
6. Smoke the drink: Smoking the drink really elevates the flavor and aroma. Smoke the drink for a minute. Follow instructions of you smoking device and play with the different wood chips. Every different wood chip has its unique flavor and aroma. I like to use cherry or hickory wood. Link to the smoker i use will be linked below in Tips.
7. Garnish: Twist a piece of orange peel over the glass to release its oils, then drop it in. Finally add a maraschino cherry.
8. Serve and enjoy!

Tips:

• Simple syrup is super easy to make and versatile in all drinks. Simply mix equal parts sugar and water in a pot. Bring it to a simmer until sugar dissolves. Let it cool and place in a mason jar or container. This lasts months in the fridge.
• Link to Skull Cocktail Smoker sold on Amazon
• You can easily double up this recipe or make a batch for a party or gathering. To make a batch, simply mix all the ingredients except the ice into a pitcher or container and keep in the fridge. Pour out your desired amount into the cocktail mixing glass and continue the instructions above.