Samuel Workman, Ph.D.

Public Policy, Data, & Cocktails

Orange Oracle


Vist the Orange Oracle and prophesies will abound


October 05, 2025

Sometimes you need answers. When you do, you visit the Orange Oracle. But careful, one visit too many and you'll start prophesying and see many futures. Time to tip one. #cocktails 

Orange Oracle

Potion:
  • 2.5 oz Gin (40% ABV)
  • 1.5 oz clarified orange cordial (~25 °Brix)
  • 1 dash Aztec Chocolate Bitters
  • Flamed orange peel (garnish)
Procedure:
Add gin, clarified orange cordial, and chocolate bitters to a mixing glass with ice. Stir until well chilled and diluted. Strain into a chilled coupe or Nick & Nora glass. Express the oils of a flamed (warmed) orange peel through a flame over the surface of the drink. Discard and use a cherry for garnish.

This is a riff on a gin gimlet. I'm replacing the lime cordial with orange cordial. And to my mind, the chocolate and flamed orange peel (not pictured), takes us in a fall direction with what is usually a spring/summer drink.

Obviously, a citrus forward gin is great here, but the oracle will answer even with vodka. You could also take this a different route with an absinthe spritz of the glass and floating a star anise as garnish. If you do, I'd leave the chocolate bitters on the shelf.