The Varmint Blaster

Small target. Big bang. Zero regrets.

A wild, earthy, high-velocity shooter built for the field. The nutty Frangelico and smoky mezcal capture the dusty, woodland hunting ground, while a splash of overproof rum brings the explosive, high-powered punch. A grenadine "burst" dropped in at serving creates a dramatic red bloom — the unmistakable splatter moment — right in the glass.

Ingredients

• 1.5 oz mezcal (smoky, like Del Maguey Vida)
• 0.5 oz Frangelico (hazelnut liqueur)
• 0.5 oz overproof rum (like Plantation OFTD or Wray & Nephew)
• 0.75 oz fresh lemon juice
• 0.5 oz honey syrup (1:1 honey and water)
• 2 dashes Angostura bitters
• Floated: 0.25 oz grenadine (added last, undisturbed, for the 'splatter')

Instructions

1. Combine the mezcal, Frangelico, overproof rum, fresh lemon juice, honey syrup, and Angostura bitters in a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Shake hard for 10–12 seconds — this drink deserves some aggression.
3. Strain into a rocks glass over a single large ice cube.
4. Very slowly pour the grenadine over the back of a bar spoon so it sinks and then blooms upward through the drink, creating a red 'explosion' cloud in the glass.
5. Do NOT stir after adding the grenadine — the visual effect IS the moment.
6. Garnish with a split maraschino cherry on a pick, dusted with a pinch of smoked paprika.
7. Serve immediately and let the drinker watch the bloom expand before they take their first sip.