Smokin' Connie's Cocktails

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I know it can get people worked up to mess with a classic so I went ahead and did so anyway. My wife loves these balanced flavors and that sweet smoke well you know. 

• 4 ounces Gin (Ford's works anything that isn't too floral). 
• 2 ounces Sweet Vermouth (LoFi out of Napa works). 
• 2 ounces Campari
• fresh juice of 1/2 orange
• 4 slices of CR Citrus smoked orange 
• One large ice cube (Penny Pound is epic but any large cube mold will work). 

1. Place two smoked orange slices in the bottom of a rocks tumbler.
2. Pour all liquids over the smoked orange slices.
3. Gently mash the slices using a cocktail mixer or spoon for about 30 seconds.
4. The drink will start the cloud a bit as the orange rehydrates. 
5. Add a large ice cube on top of the smoked oranges. 
6. Add two more smoked orange slices to the top of the ice cube.
7. Gently mix the drink with the cocktail mixer. 
8. Salute!

Imagine my surprise when my brothers at La Gritona asked for a ton of citrus for a big Westside event. Turns out those fancy folks like something sweet and simple. The history of 

• 4 ounces La Gritona Reposado
• Juice of one fresh lime
• 4 drops of Spicy Honey (available at your local hip grocery store). 
• 4 slices of smoked orange with Tajin. 
• Sea Salt. 
• 2 ounces Mexican Coke
• 1 big ice cube 

1. Pour the La Gritona in your cocktail shaker along with a few ice cubes.

2. Squeeze the lime juice in the shaker.

3. Drop some Spicy Honey in your shaker. Cuidado! This stuff brings the heat.

4. Add a few nuggets of smoked citrus to the shaker.

5. Shake it all up like your life depends on it!

6. Coat the rim of your glass with a little sea salt.

7. Add a big rock of ice to your tumbler. 

7. Add two slice of smoked citrus atop the ice. 

8. Strain slowly over that smoked sunshine.

9. Finish with a splash of Mexican Coca Cola.

10. Find some friends and some sunshine-you're about to have a great day!

I can't remember when I first made this drink but I do know it was in the summer and I was sick of Vodka. This drink has a nice balance to it and hits on some key flavors. It is familiar enough to connect with a Bourbon lover and approachable enough to engage rookies as well. Watch yourself, these bad boys can go down easy but no one wants a Jackass.

• coming soon 

coming soon