At its core, "When The Smoke Cleared" is a shaken mezcal cocktail that masterfully balances the smoky depth of mezcal with the sweetness of pineapple juice and the zing of ginger syrup. The addition of Aperol introduces a subtle bitterness, while fresh lime juice adds a bright citrus kick. A few drops of saline solution tie all the flavors together, enhancing each ingredient's contribution to the overall profile.
The When The Smoke Cleared cocktail was originally crafted in 2016 by Stephen Wicker at the iconic Raleigh Bar in Miami Beach, USA (now permanently closed). In his original recipe, he used twice the amount of ginger syrup compared to later adaptations, utilizing his housemade ginger syrup with a 1:1 sugar-to-ginger ratio. This generous use of ginger syrup added a pronounced warmth, spice, and sweetness to the cocktail.
Quick facts about the "When The Smoke Cleared" cocktail
- Method: shaken
- Flavor profile: tangy, smoky, spicy
- How to serve it: Chilled in a coupe glass, no extra ice. Garnished with candied ginger
- Glassware: Coupe glass
- Alcohol content: ~ 13.9% ABV, 15.3 grams of alcohol per serving
Ingredients
- 1.5 oz Mezcal: Mezcal is known for its distinctive smoky flavor, which forms the robust base of this cocktail.
- 0.5 oz Aperol: Aperol is an Italian aperitif with a bright orange hue and a bittersweet citrus flavor. It brings a subtle bitterness and depth to balance the sweetness in the drink.
- 0.75 oz Fresh Lime Juice: provides a zesty acidity that brightens the cocktail and balances the sweetness.
- 0.75 oz Pineapple Juice: Adds a tropical sweetness and fruity flavor, enhancing the overall complexity of the drink.
- 2 Drops of 4:1 Saline Solution: A simple mixture of salt and water (usually in a 4:1 ratio). Just a couple of drops amplify the flavors by reducing bitterness and enhancing sweetness.
Required Bar Tools
- Cocktail Shaker: The key and essential tool for combining and chilling the ingredients thoroughly. The process ofshaking also aerates the cocktail, contributing to its smooth texture.
- Hawthorne strainer: Used to separate the liquid from ice and any solid particles when pouring the cocktail into the glass.
- Fine-mesh strainer: Filters out the remaining smaller particles for a cleaner and smoother drink.
- Jigger: Ensures precise measurements of each ingredient for a balanced and consistent flavor profile.
- Cocktail Pick: A small skewer used for garnishing. In this case, it's used to hold the candied ginger garnish.
Step-by-Step Guide to Make this Cocktail
- Prepare Your Glassware: Put your coupe glass in the freezer for about 10 minutes before making the drink to chill it.
- Measure & Pour: Fill your cocktail shaker halfway with ice, then add mezcal, Aperol, ginger syrup, lime juice, pineapple juice, and the two drops of saline solution.
- Shake Vigorously: Seal the shaker and shake the drink for about 15 seconds until the shaker is cold to the touch.
- Strain: Double-strain the mixture into your chilled coupe glass to remove ice shards and pulp.
- Garnish: Skewer one or more pieces of candied ginger on a cocktail pick and place it on the rim.
Alternative garnish
The candied ginger not only adds visual appeal but also complements the ginger syrup in the cocktail. For an alternative garnish, consider a thin slice of grilled pineapple or a twist of lime peel.
Equipment
- 1 Cocktail Shaker
- 1 Hawthorne Strainer
- 1 Fine-mesh strainer
- 1 Jigger
Ingredients
- 1.5 oz Mezcal
- 0.5 oz Aperol
- 0.75 oz Fresh lime juice
- 0.75 oz Pineapple juice
- 2 drops Saline solution (4:1)
Instructions
- Chill your coupe glass in the freezer for about 10 minutes.
- Add all ingredients into a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
- Shake for 15 seconds or until the shaker gets frosty on the outside.
- Double-strain into your chilled coupe glass and garnish with candied ginger.
Notes
The Importance of Saline Solution
Adding saline solution might seem unusual, but it acts as a flavor enhancer, similar to how a pinch of salt can elevate a dish. It balances the sweetness and acidity, making each ingredient shine.DIY Saline Solution Recipe
- Mix 4 parts water with 1 part salt.
- Stir until the salt is fully dissolved.
- Store in a dropper bottle for easy use.
FAQs
It offers a balanced blend of smoky, sweet, and spicy flavors with a refreshing citrus and tropical fruit note.
The saline solution enhances and balances the flavors, similar to how a pinch of salt elevates the taste of food.
A high-quality joven (young) mezcal with a pronounced smoky flavor works best for this cocktail.
It was created by Stephen Wicker in 2016 at the Raleigh Bar in Miami Beach, USA.
Absolutely, but homemade ginger syrup may offer a fresher flavor and allow you to control the sweetness.
You can, but adding a tiny pinch of salt can provide a similar flavor-enhancing effect.