Friday, October 21, 2011

astor

1/2 Brandy (1 1/2 oz Pedro Domecq Fundador Solera Reserva)
1/4 Maraschino (3/4 oz Maraska)
1/4 Lime Juice (3/4 oz)
1 dash Angostura Bitters

Shake with ice and strain into a cocktail glass. I garnished with a lime wheel.
While drinking the Racketeer, I flipped through Pioneers of Mixing at Elite Bars: 1903-1933 looking for a follow up. There, I spotted the Astor that reminded me of an Aviation or Tennessee, and a variation with brandy, lime, and Angostura Bitters seemed like it would be worth a try. The Astor began with a lime and brandy aroma, and the sip contained a sweet lime and grape must flavor. The brandy and Maraschino paired up rather well on the swallow and were followed by the Angostura Bitters' spice on the finish. The choice of the less funky Maraska liqueur instead of the more potent Luxardo seemed to keep the Maraschino flavor from dominating this drink. Indeed, the Astor was a solid drink without being overly challenging.

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