astra

1 1/2 oz Dolin Blanc
1/2 oz Laird's 7 1/2 Year Apple Brandy
1/2 oz CapRock Gin
1/2 oz Cardamaro
1 dash Regan's Orange Bitters

Stir with ice and strain into a rocks glass. Twist a lemon peel over the top.

After Kirkland Tap & Trotter on New Years Day, I met up with Andrea for dinner near Kendall Square. For a nightcap, we ventured over to Belly Wine Bar where Ryan Connelly was bartending. Ryan greeted us with a half portion each of his Astra, a recipe he created as a low proof option for New Years Eve. He mentioned that the proportions had a similarity to The Messenger that he created a few weeks before. I had heard about the Astra via Facebook or OnTheBar although the name then seemed to be "Per Aspera Ad Astra," a Latin phrase meaning "Through hardships to the stars."
The Astra's lemon oils greeted the nose and prepared the mouth for the apple and grape sip. The swallow showcased a herbal, tea-like flavor with an orange finish; indeed, Andrea likened that flavor to chamomile tea.