Tribal Council Cocktail

Inspired by the OG reality TV competition show, Survivor, this Tribal Council cocktail brings bold flavor, a touch of citrus, and just the right amount of smoke. It’s the perfect sipper for reality TV nights, game nights, or any night when you're feeling a little adventurous.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz mezcal (or split 1 oz mezcal + 1 oz reposado tequila for a milder smoke flavor)

• 1/2 oz Aperol

• 3/4 oz fresh lime juice

• 1/2 oz honey syrup (1:1 honey and hot water, mixed until smooth)

• 2 dashes Angostura bitters

• Optional: Smoked salt or Tajin for rimming the glass

• Garnish: smoldering rosemary sprig*

Preparation:

1. Run a lime wedge around half the rim of a double rocks glass and dip in smoked salt or Tajín. Add 1-2 large ice cubes to the glass.

   
   

2. In a shaker, add mezcal, Aperol, lime juice, honey syrup, and bitters. Add ice and shake until chilled (about 15 seconds).

   
   

3. Strain into your rocks glass over a large ice cube.

   
   

4. To garnish, light the tip of the rosemary sprig with a torch or long lighter. Let it flame for 2–3 seconds, then gently blow it out — it should smolder and smoke.

   
   

5. Rest the smoldering rosemary on the rim of the glass.

   
   

6. Serve immediately while it’s still releasing that earthy, piney smoke.

*Notes and Suggestions:

If a smoldering rosemary sprig isn't your thing, here are a few other garnish ideas:

• Charred citrus wheel (lightly torch a slice of lime, orange, or grapefruit until the edges blacken and curl)

  
  

• Dehydrated citrus slice

  
  

• Sprig of fresh thyme