Première Danse 25 Recipe

Prepare smoke setup

Set up a small, covered glass or smoking dome over a shallow tray. Place the smoked walnut wood chips in the tray and prepare a culinary smoking gun or a safe heat source to produce a light, aromatic smoke.

Infuse cognac with walnut smoke

Pour the Hennessy VSOP into a small glass vessel. Using your smoking device, fill the vessel with walnut smoke for 3–5 minutes to impart a subtle walnut aroma. Strain the cognac through a fine mesh or filter into another glass to remove any chips or particulates.

Prepare citrus note

In a mixing glass, combine Grand Marnier Louis-Alexander Cuvee with the lemon extract. Stir gently to integrate the aroma and citrus note.

Combine and chill

Add the smoked cognac to the Grand Marnier mixture. Fill the mixing glass with ice and stir for 15–20 seconds until well chilled and slightly diluted.

Serve and garnish

Strain into a chilled coupe or Nick & Nora glass. Garnish with a lemon twist to accent the citrus aroma. Optionally give the glass a light citrus oil rub on the rim for extra aroma.