Toasted Compass

A luxurious winter cocktail that layers nutty complexity through brown butter, toasted macadamia, and hazelnut liqueur. The spiced rum base provides warmth while fresh nutmeg adds aromatic depth, creating a sophisticated seasonal sipper.

Ingredients

  • 2 oz Spiced Rum

  • .5 oz Hazelnut Liqueur

  • .5 oz Brown Butter Macadamia Syrup*

  • 2 dashes Orange Bitters

  • Fresh Nutmeg (for garnish)

Tools

  • Mixing Glass

  • Bar Spoon

  • Julep Strainer

  • Jigger

  • Double Old Fashioned Glass

  • Microplane

Instructions

  1. Add all liquid ingredients to mixing glass

  2. Add ice and stir for 45 seconds

  3. Strain over large cube in double old fashioned glass

  4. Grate fresh nutmeg over top

Brown Butter Macadamia Syrup

Ingredients

  • 1 stick Unsalted Butter

  • 1 cup Sugar

  • 1 cup Water

  • 1 cup Macadamia Nuts (toasted and roughly chopped)

Instructions

  1. Toast macadamia nuts until golden and fragrant

  2. Brown butter in saucepan until golden

  3. Strain out milk solids

  4. Combine browned butter, sugar, water, and toasted nuts

  5. Simmer for 15 minutes

  6. Strain well, bottle, and refrigerate

  7. Keeps for up to 2 weeks when refrigerated

Notes

  • Warm glass briefly before building drink to help ingredients marry

  • Fresh nutmeg is essential - pre-ground won't provide same aromatics

  • Syrup will separate when cold; gently warm and shake before use

  • For a sweeter variation, try using vanilla-forward spiced rum