Deep Water Prophecy

A complex spirit-forward cocktail that marries the warmth of bay leaf-infused rye with bright ruby red grapefruit and rich honey-vanilla notes. The addition of Cynar adds remarkable depth, while a smoked cinnamon finish creates an aromatic experience that evolves with each sip. This cocktail perfectly captures the mysterious depths of Pisces season.

Ingredients

• 2 oz bay leaf-infused rye whiskey*

• 1 oz fresh ruby red grapefruit juice

• 0.5 oz honey-vanilla syrup**

• 0.25 oz Cynar

• 1 cinnamon stick (for smoking)

• Large clear ice cube

• Fresh bay leaf for garnish

*Bay Leaf-Infused Rye:

• 1 bottle rye whiskey

• 8 fresh bay leaves

• Let infuse for 24 hours, strain and bottle

**Honey-Vanilla Syrup:

• 1 cup honey

• 0.5 cup water

• 1 vanilla bean, split and scraped

Instructions

1. Prepare honey-vanilla syrup: Combine honey and water in a saucepan. Add split vanilla bean and seeds. Heat until honey dissolves, stirring occasionally. Let cool, strain, and bottle.

2. In a mixing glass, combine bay leaf-infused rye, fresh grapefruit juice, honey-vanilla syrup, and Cynar.

3. Add ice and stir for 30-40 seconds until well-chilled.

4. Light a cinnamon stick with a torch until smoking.

5. Place a large clear ice cube in a double rocks glass and strain the cocktail over it.

6. Place the smoking cinnamon stick on the rim of the glass.

7. Garnish with a fresh bay leaf.

Notes

• Infused rye will keep indefinitely

• Honey-vanilla syrup will keep refrigerated for up to 2 weeks

• For a less sweet version, reduce honey-vanilla syrup to 0.25 oz

• The smoking cinnamon is optional but adds significant aromatic depth

• Best served in a double rocks glass with a large clear ice cube

Pairs well with: Dark chocolate, aged cheeses, or as a contemplative after-dinner sipper.