Get Cozy With This Smoked Cocktail

December brings the scent of pine indoors—whether from a freshly cut Christmas tree or the memory of winter walks through evergreen forests. It's a fragrance that instantly evokes the season, and that's why palo santo makes an intriguing addition to cocktails this time of year.

Traditionally burned as incense to clear negative energy, this tree, native to Central and South America, lends a touch of pine, mint, and citrus to cocktails. You can purchase some online to make the No Good Reason, created by James Baugh, director of food and beverage at TMC Hospitality in Los Angeles.

This approachable cocktail delivers the complexity that many whiskey lovers crave in winter. The rye foundation brings a balance of spicy and sweet, while the walnut liqueur and akvavit add rich nuttiness and subtle fennel and citrus notes. The smoke of palo santo serves as a juxtaposition to the heavier winter flavors, delivering bright pine and mint notes to your nose.

It's meant to be sipped slowly, a nice reminder for all of us to slow down during this hectic month.

No Good Reason

• 1 1/2 oz. George Dickel (or other rye)
• 1/4 oz. Aalborg akvavit
• 1/2 oz. walnut liqueur (Nux Alpina is recommended)
• 1/2 oz. St. Elizabeth allspice dram
• 3-4 dashes Bittermans Xocolatl mole bitters
• Palo santo for smoking (optional)
• Rosemary sprig for garnish

Combine all ingredients in a mixing glass with ice. Stir for 20 to 30 revolutions (about 15 to 20 seconds). Let sit while you smoke the glass: Place palo santo on a cutting board or baking sheet and light with a torch until it smolders. Immediately cover the smoking wood with a rocks glass to capture the smoke for 15 to 30 seconds. Remove palo santo and keep glass upside down until ready to pour. Once ready, add ice to the glass and strain the cocktail over it. Garnish with rosemary sprig.