Prompted Pours

Smoked Orchard

A smoky-fruit mezcal cocktail combining blanc vermouth with orchard flavors and bitters for an autumnal stirred drink.

Glass
Coupe or rocks glass
Method
Stir
Ice
Cubed Ice
Garnish
Orange peel
Serves
1

Ingredients

  • 1.5 oz Mezcal
  • 0.75 oz Blanc vermouth
  • 0.5 oz Pear liqueur — Apple liqueur or cider reduction also work
  • 2 dashes Angostura bitters — Mole bitters also work

Story

As the mezcal portion of the conversation expanded, we explored how blanc vermouth could bridge smoke with fruit. This drink came from leaning into orchard flavors — pear, apple, spice — while keeping the structure stirred and spirit-forward rather than turning it into a sour.

Method

  1. Add all ingredients to a mixing glass with cubed ice.
  2. Stir until chilled and lightly diluted.
  3. Strain into a coupe or over fresh ice in a rocks glass.
  4. Garnish with an orange peel.

Notes

    • Pear and apple variations were both discussed during development.
    • Angostura and mole bitters were both suggested.