The Autumn Ember: A Campground in a Glass
There’s nothing quite like spending an autumn night around a crackling campfire, the air crisp and filled with the scent of burning wood and the taste of shared treats. This inspired me to create a cocktail that encapsulates this quintessential fall experience — the Autumn Ember. This complex concoction, designed for special occasions, takes you on a sensory journey back to the campground, complete with the smoky aroma of a fire and the rich flavors of a fall evening.
The recipe is intricate, calling for a raw egg white shaken into a luxurious foam and a procedure known as an Angostura flamethrower, where you create a mist of flaming Angostura bitters. It’s a drink to prepare table side, like bananas foster or a fresh Cesar dressing.
The Autumn Ember is a journey in a glass, evoking the memory of a cold night at a campground, the kids safely tucked into bed, with the firewood sizzling and crackling. Treats are passed around the warm fire and someone brings out a drink for the group — the Autumn Ember is that drink. Enjoy the taste of autumn, encapsulated.
The carefully chosen ingredients in the Autumn Ember work together to create a sophisticated flavor profile that captures the essence of fall camping. The aged Plantation 5 Year rum provides a warm, vanilla-tinged base that evokes memories of toasted marshmallows and sweet treats shared around the fire. Meanwhile, the mezcal contributes that crucial smoky element that instantly transports you to fireside conversations under starlit skies.
The addition of pineapple juice might seem unexpected in a fall cocktail, but it serves a vital purpose. Its natural sweetness balances the smoke and adds a subtle tropical note that keeps the drink from becoming too heavy. The lime juice brightens the entire composition, while agave nectar adds depth and complexity that ties the Mexican spirits together beautifully.
The Tajin rim is more than just a garnish – it’s an essential component that adds a spicy-salty kick to each sip. This Mexican seasoning blend of chili peppers, lime, and salt creates an interesting interplay with the cocktail’s flavors, much like how the crisp autumn air enhances the experience of gathering around a warm fire.
For the best results, pay special attention to the temperature of your ingredients. The rum and mezcal should be at room temperature to allow their complex flavors to fully express themselves, while your citrus juices should be as fresh as possible. The pineapple juice, if not fresh, should be a high-quality brand without added sweeteners.<
When preparing this cocktail, the vigorous shake is crucial – it’s not just about chilling the drink, but also about properly integrating the agave nectar and creating the perfect dilution. The double strain into the coupe glass ensures a silky smooth texture without any unwanted ice shards or pulp.
The Autumn Ember makes an excellent signature cocktail for fall gatherings, from intimate fireside chats to larger outdoor events. Its dramatic presentation and complex flavor profile create a talking point that brings people together – much like a campfire itself. Consider serving it alongside smoky snacks like roasted nuts or grilled appetizers to complement its flavor profile.
While the recipe calls for specific brands, don’t be afraid to experiment with your favorite aged rum or mezcal. Just remember that the spirit choices will significantly impact the final flavor, so opt for quality bottles that you’d enjoy sipping on their own. The ideal aged rum should have notes of vanilla and caramel without being overly sweet, while your chosen mezcal should offer clean, aromatic smoke rather than overwhelming intensity.
Autumn Ember
Sip the essence of a fall campground with the Autumn Ember cocktail. Mezcal, Cognac, and a flamethrower twist create a memorable drink.
Ingredients
- 2 oz Aged Rum Plantation 5 Year
- 1 oz Mezcal
- 1 oz Pineapple Juice
- ½ oz Lime Juice
- ¼ oz Agave Nectar
- 3 Dash Angostura Bitters
- Tajin to rim
Instructions
- Chill a coup glass
- Using a lime wedge rim half of the outside of the glass with Tajin
- Shake the ingredients together vigorously with ice until chilled
- Double strain into the prepared glass
