Winter Solstice Ember

Celebrate the southern hemisphere’s longest night with a cocktail that wraps you in warmth and spice, drawing inspiration from smoky fires, mulled spices, and lush winter fruits. The Winter Solstice Ember mingles smoky mezcal, mulled red wine syrup, tart blackberry, and an herbal note for a rich, layered sipping experience—perfect for fireside sharing and stargazing. Ingredients: - 1 oz mezcal - 1 oz cognac - 1 oz mulled red wine syrup (see below) - ½ oz fresh lemon juice - ½ oz blackberry liqueur - 2 dashes Angostura bitters - 1 sprig rosemary (for garnish) - Dehydrated orange wheel (for garnish) Mulled Red Wine Syrup: - 1 cup dry red wine - ½ cup sugar - 2 cinnamon sticks - 4 cloves - 2 star anise - Zest of 1 orange Simmer all syrup ingredients on low for 10-12 minutes. Strain and cool. Directions: Combine mezcal, cognac, mulled red wine syrup, lemon juice, blackberry liqueur, and bitters in a shaker with ice. Shake well and strain into a pre-warmed double old-fashioned glass over a single large cube. Express the rosemary sprig over the drink by lightly flaming the tip, then garnish with the sprig and a dehydrated orange wheel. Glass: Double old-fashioned (rocks glass) This cocktail evokes rich winter notes—smoky, spiced, and berry-bright—making it the perfect way to honor the solstice night.