Brandy Crusta
The recipe for a Brandy Crusta, one of the oldest cocktails. An elegant mix of brandy, curaçao, and maraschino with an elaborate garnish.
Strengthstrong
GlassWine glass or special Crusta glass
BaseBrandy
GarnishSugar rim and a long lemon spiral
Description
The Brandy Crusta is a historic cocktail from the 1850s, created by bartender Joseph Santini in New Orleans. It is considered a direct ancestor of many modern sour cocktails, including the Sidecar. Its name "Crusta" is derived from its elaborate garnish: a wide sugar rim on the glass and a very long, continuous lemon spiral placed inside the glass. The drink itself is a delicious, balanced mixture of brandy, orange, and cherry flavors, rounded out by the freshness of lemon.
Preparation
- Prepare the glass: Moisten the rim of a chilled wine glass with a lemon wedge and dip it in fine sugar.
- Cut a very long spiral from a lemon and place it spirally inside the prepared glass.
- Add all liquid ingredients to a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
- Shake vigorously until the shaker is ice-cold.
- Carefully strain the contents of the shaker into the prepared glass.
