Eight drinks, three rites, six plates

Rye, smoked pecan syrup, black bitters, a coin of orange skin. Stirred forty turns, no more.

Gin, bone-dry vermouth, an absinthe rinse and a mist of olive brine. Served at two degrees.

Cognac and rye in equal measure, sweet vermouth, herbal liqueur, both bitters. Our slowest drink.

Genever, chamomile cordial, yellow herbal liqueur, lemon. A prescription from the old tenant.

Mezcal, dark amaro, cold-brew coffee, cacao. Bitter as a grudge, smooth as one forgiven.

Bourbon, chili-laced honey, lime, fresh ginger. It warns you once, politely.

Apple brandy, clove, raw honey, lemon. Picked from the wrong side of the garden wall.

Blended aged rums, banana, oloroso sherry, aromatic bitters. The finish circles back on itself.

Verjus, chamomile, saline, tonic. All of the ceremony, none of the sin.

Smoked black tea, fig, bright citrus, soda. Convincing enough to fool the serpent.