I had a similar experience although I subbed Averna + Cynar for the Meletti. I completely forgot the Bonal was in it, and the reposado was totally lost. I did get the smokiness from the mezcal I used (Del Maguey Vida Clásico) but tbh I think an M&M would do just as well.
I didn’t have Meletti so I used 1/2 oz Averna and 1/4 oz Cynar. It’s an interesting cocktail but it felt more like four ingredients + bitters rather than some alchemical synthesis. Also, given that this drink is straight booze I think it might benefit from the gradual dilution of being served over a big rock. I’d I ever end up with some Meletti I’d give it another try.
Made one this evening using 1/2 oz each of Smith & Cross, Hamilton 86, and Clement VSOP. Added a couple drops (not dashes) of Scrappy’s orange bitter and Ango. Delicious.
I went with 1/ 4 oz of syrup ~7.5ml and it was plenty sweet. Mine was real Vermont Maple syrup, the best kind ;-)
I went with 1 oz of Diplomático Mantuano, 1/2 oz Appleton Estate Signature, 1/2 oz Hamilton 86, and just 1/4 oz maple syrup. Perfect sipper. I might like it more than a bourbon old fashioned…
I used Plymouth Navy strength gin and a tiny pinch of kosher salt and wow, this is an incredible cocktail. The interplay of the two monastic liqueurs and the lemon juice is sublime with the gin bringing a nice backbone.
Made a variant using Plymouth Navy Strength, honey syrup instead of rich simple, and a couple spritzes of absinthe on top instead of crème de violette. So not really an Aviation riff anymore but decidedly tasty!
Used the Clément VSOP and Diplomático Mantuano. Subbed 1/4 oz Cointreau for the OJ and upped the Falernum to 1/2 oz. Rather than blending, shook very hard and dirty dumped into a tall glass. Very delicious. Would make again but maybe up the lime 1 oz.
