Smokey Ecliptic Horizon

This complex, smoky, and slightly sweet cocktail is a dance of bold flavors and unique textures, offering a multi-layered experience that captivates from the first sip. The Smokey Ecliptic Horizon features a base of tepeztate mezcal, bringing a profound smokiness that's carefully balanced with the herbal spiciness of Ancho Reyes Verde. Mr. Black Coffee Liqueur adds depth with its rich, bitter coffee notes, while coffee cherry bitters introduce a subtle fruitiness, enhancing the overall complexity of the drink. The inclusion of organic blue agave syrup offers a mild sweetness that respects the cocktail's robust profile, and a dash of orange bitters and chocolate bitters encapsulates the drink in a beguiling finish. Served in a rock glass with a large ice sphere, this cocktail is adorned with a smoked sea salt rim, providing a tantalizing aroma and a touch of savory to the sip. **Glass:** Rock Glass **Ingredients:** - 1.5 oz Tepeztate Mezcal - 0.5 oz Ancho Reyes Verde - 0.75 oz Mr. Black Coffee Liqueur - 0.25 oz Organic Blue Agave Syrup - 2 dashes Coffee Cherry Bitters - 1 dash Orange Bitters - 1 dash Chocolate Bitters - Smoked Sea Salt (for rim) **Preparation:** 1. Start by preparing your rock glass: gently wet the rim and dip it into smoked sea salt to coat it lightly. Set aside. 2. In a mixing glass filled with ice, combine tepeztate mezcal, Ancho Reyes Verde, Mr. Black Coffee Liqueur, and organic blue agave syrup. 3. Add two dashes of coffee cherry bitters, one dash of orange bitters, and one dash of chocolate bitters. 4. Stir well until the outside of the mixing glass is frosty, about 30 seconds. 5. Place a large ice sphere in the prepared rock glass. 6. Strain the cocktail over the ice sphere in the rock glass. 7. Optionally, garnish with a twist of orange peel or a few coffee beans for an additional aromatic experience. **Tasting Notes:** The Smokey Ecliptic Horizon is a sensory journey, beginning with the aromatic smokiness of mezcal, followed by the herbal and spicy notes of Ancho Reyes Verde. The velvety layers of coffee from Mr. Black blend harmoniously with the complex sweetness of agave syrup, while the bitters bring an intriguing edge. The smoked sea salt rim enhances each sip, leaving a memorable aftertaste that invites another taste. This cocktail is a celebration of smokiness, sweetness, and complexity, perfect for a reflective evening or as a sophisticated accompaniment to a fine meal.