Calories:~200
Fat:0g
Protein:0g
Carbohydrates:~10g
Alcohol:~30%
I fell in love with the art of mixology 6 years ago. Since then, I've honed my skills, crafting a myriad of cocktail recipes, and sharing my passion with other enthusiasts.
Last Updated: January 16, 2024
The Scorched Earth is a cocktail that embodies the spirit of resilience and strength. It's a drink that's not for the faint of heart, with a bold combination of smoky mezcal, bitter Cynar, and the herbal punch of Campari. It's a favorite among those who appreciate a cocktail with a complex flavor profile and a bit of a kick.
The Scorched Earth cocktail is a symphony of bold flavors. The smokiness of the mezcal, the distinctive bitterness of Cynar, and the herbal qualities of Campari combine to create a drink that's both complex and harmonious. It's strong, with a lingering aftertaste that's pleasantly bitter and aromatic.
The mezcal brings a smoky base to the 'Scorched Earth', creating a canvas of complex, earthy flavors. 1 oz is just enough to assert its presence without overpowering the other ingredients. Without it, you'd miss the cocktail's signature smokiness. Swap with tequila for a milder smoke flavor, or with whiskey for a different type of smoky kick.
Cynar's bitter and herbaceous profile acts as a bridge between the mezcal and Campari. The 1 oz supports the bitterness without letting it dominate. Skipping Cynar would leave you with an unbalanced drink. A substitute like Aperol would bring more sweetness and less bitterness.
The staple 1 oz of Campari delivers a familiar bitter orange hit. It cuts through the smokiness and complexity, offering a refreshing counterpoint. Omitting Campari would result in a less vibrant and more subdued cocktail. If you prefer less bitterness, try substituting with Aperol.
Two dashes of orange bitters add aromatic depth and tie the drink's flavors together. Too many dashes could overpower the subtle nuances, whereas too few would cause the cocktail to lose its edge. No real substitute exists for the zesty punch these bitters provide.
The flamed orange twist is the grand finale, offering a zesty aroma and a hint of citrus oil to the top of the drink. Without it, you’d be missing a layer of complexity and the cocktail’s 'scorched' essence. A lemon twist could be used for a sharper, more tangy aroma.
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Place your chosen strainer on top of the shaker or mixing glass, ensuring a secure fit. Pour the cocktail into a glass through the strainer, which will catch solid ingredients and ice. If double straining, hold the fine mesh strainer between the shaker and the glass.
Learn everything on how to strainInsert the spoon into the glass until it touches the bottom. Keep the back of the spoon against the inside wall of the glass, and stir in a smooth, circular motion. The goal is to swirl the ice and ingredients together without churning or splashing.
Learn everything on how to stirGarnishing a bar drink depends on the type of garnish and the cocktail. Generally, it involves preparing the garnish (like cutting a citrus wheel or picking a sprig of mint), and then adding it to the drink in a visually appealing way (like perching it on the rim or floating it on top).
Learn everything on garnishingIf you want to drink something else - you can use our AI-augmented search to find the best cocktail for you!
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Look for a mezcal with a smoky profile to complement the other bold flavors in the Scorched Earth. Artisanal mezcals that are labeled 'espadin' or 'tobala' can be particularly good choices for their distinctive character.
In a pinch, a lemon twist can be used, though the flavor profile will change slightly. The citrus element is mainly for the aromatic aspect, so any citrus peel could provide a fragrant touch.
While the Scorched Earth can be enjoyed year-round, its bold flavors are often more suited to cooler weather or as an evening sipping cocktail.
Stirring a cocktail generally leads to a smoother mouthfeel and clearer appearance, which is preferred for spirit-forward drinks like the Scorched Earth.
Yes, non-alcoholic alternatives to mezcal, Cynar, and Campari are available and can be used to create a similar flavor profile without the alcohol content.
A large ice cube is ideal as it melts slower than smaller cubes or crushed ice, preventing the drink from diluting too quickly while keeping it cold.
The Vancouver cocktail offers a complex and refined taste. It's a harmonious blend of the botanicals in gin with the sweet and herbal notes from the vermouth and Benedictine. The orange bitters add a subtle citrus zing, creating a balanced, smooth, and slightly sweet sip with a warm, aromatic finish.
The Iron Ranger cocktail offers a robust and warming taste from the high-proof bourbon, which is perfectly balanced with the tartness of the lemon juice and the tropical sweetness of the pineapple juice. The velvet falernum adds a touch of spice and sweetness, while the bitters provide a complex aromatic finish. The garnish of mint and cinnamon adds a refreshing and fragrant touch to this bold concoction.
The Rose Mint Julep offers a harmonious blend of smooth, oaky bourbon with a sweet, floral hint from the rose syrup. The fresh mint provides a cooling sensation, making the drink refreshing. It's a well-balanced cocktail with a robust foundation softened by the delicate rose.
The Longshoreman offers a bold flavor profile with the spiciness of rye whiskey, the herbal bitterness of Averna amaro, and the sweet vermouth complexity from Punt e Mes. It's a well-balanced cocktail that's both strong and slightly sweet, with a bitter finish.
The Sputnik cocktail offers a bold and complex taste. The Absolut Vodka provides a clean, crisp base, while the Fernet Branca delivers a bitter, minty, and herbal punch. The lemon juice adds a slight tang, and the sugar syrup balances the bitterness with a subtle sweetness.
The Campari Tonic has a distinctly bitter and herbal taste with a hint of sweetness from the Campari. The tonic water adds a quinine bitterness and a fizzy texture that lightens the drink. It's a balanced mix of bitter, sweet, and bubbly.
The Red Hook cocktail is a well-balanced mix of sweet, bitter, and strong flavors. It has a rich, velvety texture with a hint of spice from the rye whiskey, and a pleasant bitterness from the Punt e Mes and maraschino liqueur.
The First Word cocktail offers a harmonious blend of botanical, herbal, and citrus notes. It's a complex yet refreshing drink with a sweet undertone from the beer simple syrup, balanced by the tartness of lime juice.
The Teddy Bear cocktail offers a sweet and fruity flavor profile with a hint of spice from the cinnamon. It's a warm, comforting drink with a smooth texture, thanks to the pear and cognac liqueur, and a crisp freshness from the apple juice.
The Oaxacan Old Fashioned is a complex, smoky, and slightly sweet cocktail with a rich, velvety texture. The mezcal provides an earthy, smoky backbone, while the agave syrup adds a touch of sweetness and the Angostura bitters bring a subtle bitterness to balance the flavors.
The Bonfire cocktail has a smoky, sweet, and slightly spicy taste. It is a well-balanced drink with a hint of warmth and a smooth finish.
The Burnt Martini has a bold, smoky flavor with a subtle hint of citrus. It is a strong, dry cocktail with a smooth, velvety texture and a slightly bitter aftertaste.
The Eclipse cocktail is a harmonious blend of sweet, sour, and smoky flavors. The añejo tequila provides a rich, oaky base, while the Aperol adds a touch of bitterness. The Heering cherry liqueur imparts a sweet, fruity note, and the lemon juice brings a refreshing tang. The mezcal, although used sparingly, adds a distinctive smoky flavor that lingers on the palate.
The Peyote cocktail offers a complex and intriguing taste profile, with sweet, sour, and herbal notes. The sweetness of the agave syrup balances the tartness of the lime juice, while the earthy flavors of the mezcal and cactus juice create a unique and memorable experience.
The Polar Bear is a cocktail with a complex flavor profile. It's strong, with the mezcal providing a smoky base, while the vermouth adds a touch of sweetness. The creme de menthe gives it a refreshing minty taste, and the angelica tincture or celery bitters add a hint of bitterness. It's a cocktail that's both refreshing and warming, perfect for a cold winter's night.
The Negroni is a well-balanced cocktail with a bitter, sweet, and herbal taste. It has a strong, bold flavor with a hint of citrus and a smooth, velvety finish.
The Boulevardier is a complex and well-balanced cocktail, with a rich and bold taste. It has a bitter-sweet profile, with the bitterness of Campari complementing the sweetness of the vermouth. The whiskey adds warmth and depth, making it a perfect drink for sipping.
The Americano has a complex and bittersweet taste, with herbal and citrus notes. It is refreshing, slightly bitter, and mildly sweet, making it a perfect balance of flavors.
