Smoky Highland Mirage

The Smoky Highland Mirage is a cocktail that elegantly marries the peaty whispers of Highland Park Scotch with the earthy spirit of Joven Mezcal, wrapped delicately by the intriguing warmth of Ancho Reyes. Its smoky base is lifted by a selection of bitters and sweetened by the natural touch of honey and agave, creating a modern twist on the classic smoky cocktail. Served in a chilled Old Fashioned glass, this creation promises a complex journey through smokiness accented with a subtle, spicy sweetness that lingers like a mirage on the palate. **Ingredients:** - 1 oz Highland Park Scotch - 1 oz Joven Mezcal - 0.5 oz Ancho Reyes - 0.25 oz Organic Blue Agave Syrup - 3 dashes Orange Bitters - 2 dashes Smoked Sea Salt Bitters - Honey (a touch, for rimming) - Smoked Sea Salt (for rimming) **Instructions:** 1. Rim an Old Fashioned glass with honey and then dip it into smoked sea salt to create a smoky, sweet crust. 2. Fill the glass with large ice cubes to chill. 3. In a mixing glass, combine Highland Park Scotch, Joven Mezcal, Ancho Reyes, and organic blue agave syrup. 4. Add orange bitters and smoked sea salt bitters to the mixture. 5. Fill the mixing glass with ice and stir well until the outside of the glass feels cold. 6. Strain the mixture into the prepared Old Fashioned glass over the large ice cubes. 7. Garnish with an orange twist or a dehydrated orange wheel for an added touch of elegance and a hint of citrus aroma. 8. Serve immediately and enjoy the layered complexity of the Smoky Highland Mirage. This cocktail, through its innovative use of scotch and mezcal, complemented by the unique addition of Ancho Reyes and carefully selected bitters, offers a modern twist on smoky drinks. Its preparation is a ritual, inviting one to savor the merging of worlds where the smoky Scottish highlands meet the ancient earthiness of Mexican mezcal, creating a mirage that’s both ephemeral and deeply grounded.