El Pequeno Diablo by Leaves and Libations

This cocktail is the early Valentine's Day lovechild of a Last Word and a Mezcal Margarita. At least that's kind of how we thought of it. We started with a Last Word's four equal parts, and just started swapping out ingredients. Smokey, spicy, citrusy, and sweet is what we wanted (not to mention some remarkable alliteration), and it's what we got. We hope you all enjoy it!

🔥El Pequeño Diablo🔥

• 1 oz Noble Coyote Mezcal
• 1 oz Ancho Reyes Chile Ancho Liqueur
• 1 oz Aperol
• 0.5 oz Mongibello Blood Orange Juice
• 0.75 oz Lime Juice, fresh squeezed
• 2 dashes Scrappy's Bitters FireWater Tincture
• 4 dashes Old Forrester Sea Salt & Black Pepper Tincture
• Splash of Gris Gris Cocktails Jalapeño Simple Syrup
• Brûléed Blood Orange Slice

To Brûlée Blood Orange

1. Thinly slice a blood orange and lay a single slice flat on a baking sheet
2. Spread a medium thick layer of sugar over the blood orange slice
3. Use a blow torch to caramelize sugar by slowly circling the flame across the surface of the blood orange

For Cocktail

1. Combine all liquid ingredients in a cocktail shaker with a generous amount of ice, and shake for 10-15 seconds
2. Strain into your favorite coupe glass
3. Garnish with your Brûléed blood orange slice
4. Drink up and enjoy!