the mankiller

1 oz Del Maguey Mezcal Vida (Fidencio)
1 oz Lustau Manzanilla Sherry (La Gitana)
1/2 oz Bigallet China-China (Torani Amer)
1/4 oz Averna
1/4 oz Luxardo Aperitivo (Martini Aperitivo)
2 dash Angostura Bitters

Stir with ice, strain into a cocktail coupe, and garnish with an orange twist and a chamomile flower (skip the latter garnish).For Friday night's libation two weeks ago, I selected the Drinking Like Ladies book and spotted the Mankiller. The recipe was crafted by Anne Marie Sagol at Denver's Occidental and Williams & Graham, and she spun the drink around the life story of Wilma Mankiller who was an activist and politician that fought for Native Americans' rights. Once prepared, the Mankiller greeted the senses with bright orange oil over smoky mezcal aromas with darker notes from the bitter liqueurs. Next, an orange and caramel sip dove into smoke, vegetal, bitter, and allspice flavors on the swallow.