Perfect for a business meeting, this cocktail was inspired by a smoked Manhattan. This is a unique NA take on the spirit-forward cocktail that is bound to impress.
Ingredients:
- 1 oz black tea syrup (recipe below)
- 1 oz cold-pressed pomegranate juice
- 1 oz freshly squeezed lemon juice
- Dash of orange bitters
- Dash of liquid smoke
- Orange peel for garnish
Instructions:
Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add the black tea syrup, pomegranate juice, lemon juice, orange bitters, and liquid smoke to the shaker. Shake the ingredients until well combined and the shaker is cold to the touch. Strain the mixture into a chilled lowball glass. Express the oil from an orange peel over the top of the drink by holding the peel over the drink and giving it a good twist, releasing the oils into the drink. Rub the rim of the glass with the orange peel to release more oil. Drop the orange peel into the drink as a garnish.
The black tea syrup in this recipe provides a rich and flavorful base, while the pomegranate juice adds a sweet and tangy flavor. The lemon juice provides a bright citrus flavor, and the orange bitters add a touch of bitterness to balance the sweetness. Rounding us out, the liquid smoke adds a flavor that mimics the taste of aged spirits, while the orange peel provides a sweet and zesty aroma that complements the smoky flavor.
