Basically a brandy old-fashioned, this is an effectively beautiful cocktail.  When I say “old-fashioned”, I mean one without the garbage; the muddled fruit.  I’ve done away with the smashed cherries and orange wheel, the pointless soda water.  The real key here are the bitters.  They bring everything together, and lift this simple cocktail towards the sublime.  All that being said, make sure you use at least a VS, or preferably an XO cognac in this.  You are showcasing the brandy, not merely using it to add some alcoholic pizzazz.

Brandy Cocktail
2oz brandy
1 tsp simple syrup
2 dashes Angostura bitters
Garnish: lemon twist

Stir ingredients with ice and strain into chilled cocktail glass.  Add lemon twist.

Filed under: Mr. Boston 75th Anniversary Official Bartenders Guide