Ingredients
- 2 oz Japanese Whisky
- ½ oz smoky syrup
- 2 dashes Cacao Bitters
- Ice cubes
- Lemon twist - for garnish, optional
Equipment
- Old Fashioned Glass
- Measuring Jigger
- Mixing Glass
- Stirrer or Bar Spoon
Instructions
- Prep Glass: Fill your Old Fashioned glass with ice cubes to chill.
- Add Bitters: Add 2 dashes Cacao Bitters to the mixing glass.
- Add Smoky Syrup: Measure and pour ½ oz smoky syrup into the glass.
- Add Whisky: Pour 2 oz Japanese Whisky.
- Add Ice: Fill your mixing glass with ice cubes.
- Stir Gently: Use a bar spoon to stir the ingredients gently.
- Strain: Strain your drink into the old fashioned glass over fresh ice.
- Garnish: Place a lemon twist into the glass for garnish.
Notes
Substitutes:
- Japanese Whisky: If you don't have Japanese Whisky, try using a good quality bourbon or rye whiskey for a different but still rich flavor. I've also used Scotch for an extra smoky touch.
- Smoky Syrup: To prepare a smoky syrup, combine equal parts sugar and water in a saucepan and heat until the sugar dissolves. Once dissolved, add 1 to 2 teaspoons of liquid smoke to taste. Stir well, let it cool, and it's ready to use in cocktails or other recipes!
- Bitters: If you're out of cacao bitters, opt for Angostura or even orange bitters for a citrus note.
Making a Pitcher of The Beast:
- Scale: To make a pitcher that serves 8, multiply all the ingredients by 8. That would be 16 oz of Japanese Whisky, 4 oz of smoky syrup, and about 16 dashes of bitters.
- Mix: In a large pitcher, combine the Whisky, smoky syrup, and bitters. Stir well.
- Serve: Pour the mixture into ice-filled Old Fashioned glasses, garnish with a lemon twist, and serve immediately.
Making it Non-Alcoholic:
- Whisky Substitute: Use a non-alcoholic whisky alternative; these are available and mimic the depth of Whisky quite well.
- Proceed As Usual: Use this non-alcoholic substitute instead of regular Whisky, follow the original steps, and enjoy a non-alcoholic version.
What is The Beast?
The Beast is a whiskey cocktail made of Japanese Whiskey, smoky syrup, and bitters. It’s not difficult to make because it involves straightforward mixing steps with easily accessible ingredients. This drink stands out for its bold flavor profile that combines the character of whisky with a hint of smokiness and bitterness.

What is The Beast made of – The ingredients
Get these ingredients ready to mix The Beast.
- Japanese Whisky: Delivers a smooth, rich base with unique flavor notes.
- Smoky Syrup: Infuses the drink with a deep, smoky essence.
- Cacao Bitters: Adds complexity with a touch of bitterness to balance flavors.
- Ice Cubes: Cools the cocktail and slightly dilutes for a smoother sip.
- Lemon Twist (optional): Enhances aroma and provides a visual garnish.







