The Last Cigarette is a modern cocktail that evokes the haze of a twilight bonfire on a Mexican beach, where tropical sweetness meets a lingering spice. Crafted by the Tippling Bros, it layers reposado tequila’s warm agave with mango’s ripe allure, a kick of morita chile, and lime’s sharp edge. This drink is a bold, dessert-like sip that teases the senses, perfect for those evenings when you want flavor with a story.
✨ What Makes the Cocktail Unique?
The Last Cigarette stands out for its daring fusion of sweet and smoky. Mango puree brings vibrant tropical notes, while morita chile syrup adds an earthy heat that dances with the reposado tequila’s oak. The blueberry float and chipotle dust create visual drama and a final smoky whisper. It is not just a drink but a narrative, blending Mexican-inspired elements into a craft cocktail that feels both indulgent and introspective.
📖 Recipe
Servings: 1
Time: Under 5 minutes
Difficulty: Moderately Crafty
🍹 Ingredients
- 2 oz reposado tequila
- 1 oz mango puree (fresh or store-bought)
- 0.75 oz morita chile syrup
- 0.5 oz fresh lime juice
- Zigzag float of blueberry puree (for garnish)
- Light dusting of chipotle chile powder (for garnish)
🥂 Preparation Steps
- Add reposado tequila, mango puree, morita chile syrup, and lime juice to a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
- Shake vigorously until well chilled.
- Strain into an old-fashioned glass over a large ice cube.
- Float a zigzag of blueberry puree on top.
- Dust lightly with chipotle chile powder for a smoky finish.
🌶 Variations & Tips
- If morita chile syrup is hard to find, substitute with a mix of simple syrup and chipotle powder.
- Use fresh mango and blueberries for brighter flavors, or frozen for easier pureeing.
- For less heat, reduce the chile syrup and add a splash of orange juice.
- Prepare syrups and purees ahead to make assembly quicker at parties.
🌅 Perfect Setting
The Last Cigarette thrives at sunset gatherings, Mexican-themed dinners, or intimate evenings where bold flavors spark conversation. It pairs well with grilled meats, tacos, or chocolate desserts, turning any moment into a flavorful ritual. Raise your glass to clever creations and lingering tastes. ¡Salud!
📜 A Modern Tale from the Tippling Bros
The Last Cigarette was invented by bartending duo Paul Tanguay and Tad Carducci, known as the Tippling Bros, as a playful tribute to one partner’s attempt to quit smoking. Featured in their book A Lime and a Shaker: Discovering Mexican-Inspired Cocktails, the drink draws from Mexico’s rich tradition of agave spirits and chili-infused flavors. The name nods to that “last puff” with its smoky morita and chipotle elements, while mango and lime evoke the country’s tropical bounty.
This cocktail reflects the craft cocktail movement of the 2010s, where bartenders reimagined regional ingredients with global flair. Rooted in Mexican heritage, it celebrates cachaça’s cousin, tequila, and the art of balancing heat with sweetness. The Tippling Bros’ creation has since inspired mixologists worldwide, proving that personal stories can ignite timeless recipes.
Images by Ivan Babydov, Jens Kohlen, Anna Giorgia Zambrelli, Ksenia Teres, Lany-Jade Mondou, Nathan Martins.