Smoking Hot by Kilian is not a dish you eat—it’s a cocktail you drink, and it’s one of the most intriguing drinks to come out of the modern mixology scene. Named after the luxury fragrance house, this smoky, sweet, and subtly spicy cocktail layers mezcal, cherry liqueur, and a hint of chipotle for a drink that tastes like a bonfire wrapped in velvet. It’s served over a large ice cube with a burnt orange twist, making it as aromatic as it is flavorful. This recipe gives you the exact proportions and techniques to build that signature balance at home, without needing a bar setup.
Ingredients
- 2 oz (60 ml) mezcal (espaldÃn or any smoky, unaged mezcal)
- ¾ oz (22 ml) cherry liqueur (such as Luxardo Maraschino or Heering Cherry)
- ½ oz (15 ml) fresh lime juice
- ¼ oz (7 ml) agave syrup (or simple syrup, to taste)
- 1 small pinch of chipotle powder (about 1/16 teaspoon)
- 1 large ice cube (or 2–3 regular cubes)
- 1 orange twist (about 2 inches long) for garnish
- Optional: a few drops of liquid smoke if your mezcal is not smoky enough
Instructions
- Chill a rocks glass by filling it with ice water or placing it in the freezer for 5 minutes.
- In a cocktail shaker, combine the mezcal, cherry liqueur, lime juice, agave syrup, and chipotle powder. Add a handful of ice (about 1 cup / 150 g).
- Shake vigorously for 12–15 seconds until the shaker is well-chilled and frosty on the outside.
- Discard the ice water from the glass (or remove the glass from the freezer). Place one large ice cube in the glass.
- Strain the cocktail into the prepared glass over the ice cube.
- Express the orange twist over the drink by holding it skin-side down and giving it a sharp twist to release its oils, then drop the twist into the glass.
- If you want a stronger smoke aroma, hold a lit kitchen torch or match briefly over the orange twist before dropping it in (optional). Serve immediately.
Tips
- Choose your mezcal wisely: Not all mezcal is smoky. Look for one labeled “espaldÃnâ€� or “tobalaâ€� from Oaxaca; these are traditionally smoked. If your mezcal is too mild, add 2–3 drops of liquid smoke to the shaker.
- Balance the sweet and sour: Cherry liqueurs vary in sweetness. If yours is very sweet (like Heering), reduce the agave to 1 teaspoon (5 ml). Taste before shaking—if it’s too tart, add a little more agave; too sweet, add a few drops of lime.
- Don’t overshake: Over-shaking dilutes the drink too much and can make it watery. 12–15 seconds with ice is perfect; you want a slight chill, not a melted mess.
- Make it a batch: For a party, multiply the ingredients by 6 and mix in a pitcher. Add the ice only to each glass, not the pitcher, to avoid dilution.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Smoking Hot by Kilian as an after-dinner digestif or as a sophisticated cocktail at a dinner party. It pairs beautifully with dark chocolate desserts, grilled meats, or a cheese board with aged manchego and smoked almonds. For a festive touch, garnish with a dehydrated orange wheel or a cinnamon stick.
Variations
- Smoking Hot Margarita: Add 1 oz (30 ml) of Cointreau or triple sec to the shaker and reduce the agave to 1 teaspoon (5 ml). Serve in a salt-rimmed glass.
- Smoking Hot Old Fashioned: Swap the lime juice for 1 teaspoon of water and use 2 dashes of Angostura bitters. Omit the agave and use a sugar cube instead.
- Non-Alcoholic “Smoking Hot�: Replace the mezcal with 2 oz (60 ml) of non-alcoholic smoked tea (like lapsang souchong) and use cherry syrup instead of liqueur. Add 1 oz (30 ml) of lime juice and ½ oz (15 ml) of agave. Shake with ice and serve over a big cube.
- Spicier version: Add a thin slice of fresh jalapeño to the shaker and muddle gently before adding the other ingredients.
Storage and Reheating
This cocktail is best made fresh, but you can prepare the mezcal mixture (without ice) up to 24 hours ahead. Store it in a sealed jar in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, shake with ice as directed. Do not freeze the mixture, as the lime juice will separate. Leftover cocktail (if any) can be kept in the fridge for up to 2 days, but the lime flavor will fade and the drink will lose its sparkle. Reheating is not recommended—this is a cold drink.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use tequila instead of mezcal? Yes, but you’ll lose the smoky character. If using tequila, add 2–3 drops of liquid smoke or a pinch of smoked paprika to mimic the smokiness.
What is the best cherry liqueur? Luxardo Maraschino is a classic, but it’s more nutty and less sweet. Heering Cherry is sweeter and fruitier. Both work; adjust the agave accordingly.
Is chipotle powder very spicy? Chipotle powder is made from smoked, dried jalapeños. It has a mild heat with a smoky depth. If you’re sensitive, start with a tiny pinch (1/16 tsp) and add more to taste.
Can I make this without a cocktail shaker? Yes. Use a mason jar with a tight lid. Add the ingredients and ice, close, and shake hard for 15 seconds. Strain through a fine mesh sieve or a slotted spoon.
Why is it called “Smoking Hot by Kilian�? It’s inspired by the luxury perfume brand By Kilian, known for its smoky, sensual scents. The cocktail recreates that vibe through mezcal and chipotle. It’s not an official product of the brand, just a fan-inspired recipe.
Can I serve it up (without ice)? Absolutely. Strain into a chilled coupe glass without ice for a more elegant presentation. The flavor will be more concentrated.
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