An elevated iteration of Ted Charak's original masterpiece at Brasserie by Niche in St. Louis, Missouri—the renowned "The Stetson" cocktail. This elevated libation pays homage to its roots while pushing the boundaries of flavor and presentation.
Crafted with precision, "The Stetson" boasts an extraordinary blend of rye whiskey, pineapple gomme syrup, lemon juice, and Mole bitters, resulting in a meticulously balanced cocktail with a velvety mouthfeel.
In my efforts to breathe new life into this classic, I simply wanted to add a feather to this old hat and possibly some style points with a “Flash”.
A feather is generously misted with a peated scotch whiskey, not only serving as a garnish but imparting an additional layer of sweet, smoky leather complexity that unfolds as you bring the glass to your lips.
The theatrical touch of an age-old bar trick takes center stage as the flammable zest of a lemon is expressed through an open flame, creating a top layer “flash” of citrus essence to the cocktail.

1.5 oz rye whiskey
¾ oz Pineapple Gomme Syrup
½ oz lemon juice
2 dashes mole bitters

Add all ingredients to a shaker filled with ice, shake vigorously and double strain into a chilled coup glass. Spray a feather with a peated scotch whiskey and affix to the rim of the glass with a small clip. Peel a large zest from a lemon and lightly heat the zest with a lighter, express the lemon over the drink through an open flame. Wipe the lemon zest around the rim of the glass and place it in the glass.