Happy New Year! I hope everyone had a safe and festive holiday season. It's been 2022 for a solid week and I'm sure you are all strongly, sticking with your New Years Resolutions. For over 40 years I've made it a point to never make resolutions and so far I've stuck to it!
I can already tell you that 2022 is going to be a crazy year. I'd say for most of December, the weather for us here in the 'Sip has been strangely above average. Now a cold front is heading our way. And as you can see below, that means we're screwed.
Before the apocalypse hits, I thought I'd share 2 classic cocktails that will be sure to warm you up. These brandy based drinks are very similar. The quantities and maraschino liqueur are the biggest differences between the two. The sugar rim on the Brandy Crusta is standard. On the Sidecar, well, I'll leave that up to you. I did not include it on this specific libation. However, the wife assures me that 1) Ina Garten's recipe includes a sugared rim and a dried cherry garnish. 2) You can't go wrong using any of Ina's recipes. Let's just say the sugar rim on the Sidecar is optional. Now, let's warm up. (Update: Yes, we did receive snow flurries earlier in the week. No accumulation but still a cold, chilly surprise. I know other parts of the US weren't as lucky. Our thoughts go out to those who found themselves without power/heat).
Small side note: These cocktails should be served in coupe glasses. The wife prefers a heavier old-fashioned glass so explains our photo. But you do you!
His Cocktail - Sidecar
2 oz Cognac
3/4 oz Grand Marnier
3/4 oz lemon juice
In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, add all the ingredients. Shake until chilled. Strain into a chilled coupe.
Her Cocktail - Brandy Crusta
2 oz Cognac
½ oz lemon juice
½ oz Curaçao
¼ oz maraschino liqueur
2 dashes Angostura bitters
Lemon juice
Sugar
Lemon peel garnish
Wet the rim of a coupe glass with lemon juice, then dip rim into sugar. Combine all liquid ingredients in a cocktail shaker filled with ice and shake until cold. Strain into the prepared glass. Garnish.
Happy drinking!