Brandy Crusta

Boozy and fruity

Origin

The Brandy Crusta is a historic classic cocktail that has inspired countless variations, including one of our favourites, the Sidecar. The Margarita is another classic that owes its existence to the Crusta. It was created in the 1850s, in New Orleans by Joseph Santini. He took this mix to several bars he worked at and owned. The Brandy Crusta is so notable, it’s the 4th cocktail listed in Jerry Thomas’ 1862 book, Bar Tender’s Guide - the first cocktail book ever written. The Brandy Crusta may also have been the first cocktail made with citrus, sparking a whole category of sour-style cocktails. So a lot is owed to this drink!

How to make it

1. Grab a wedge of lemon and rub it all over the rim and outside of the glass.
2. Dip the glass in sugar to coat the rim, it will stick to the lemon juice. You want a thick crust of sugar.
3. Then get a long peel of lemon and place it around the rim of the glass, like a crown. Put the glass in the freezer to chill
4. Now, add all the ingredients into a shaking tin.
5. Add ice and shake for 12-15 seconds
6. Strain into the glass

A lot of lemon up front as you’d expect from the giant peel crowning this drink! On tasting you get sugar crystals from the rim that sweeten up the dry orange and lemon flavours. The brand and dry cherry flavour comes through at the end to leave a dry and tart finish. A brilliant fruity and boozy drink.

Enjoy!

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