Sunday, April 19, 2026

loose cannon

1 1/2 oz Bourbon (Evan Williams Bonded)
1/2 oz Punt e Mes
1/2 oz Fernet-Vallet (Fernet Branca)
1/2 oz Pierre Ferrand Dry Curaçao

Stir with ice, strain into a coupe glass, and garnish with an orange twist.
Two Sundays ago, I opened up my copy of The Madrusan Cocktail Companion book and found the Loose Cannon by Brandon Bramhall at Last Saint in Charleston via the Manhattan section. The recipe made me think of the Alcazer from Pioneer of Mixing at Elite Bars: 1903-1933 (rye, Fernet, orange liqueur), and the combination of whisk(e)y, Punt e Mes, and those two liqueurs can be found in the Scotland the Brave. In the glass, the Loose Cannon shot off with orange, grape, and minty aromas. Next, caramel and grape notes on the sip stepped aside for Bourbon, herbal, bitter menthol, and orange flavors on the swallow.

3 comments:

okteezy said...

This tastes like a Terry's chocolate orange ball. Yum

Chris B., Santa Fe said...

These proportions are balanced better than those for Alcazar or Scotland the Brave, although I think rye or scotch stand up to the healthy dose of Fernet better than bourbon.

frederic said...

Punt e Mes also does a good job of smoothing over or sharp bitter and herbal notes. Alcazar is just ballsy for a century ago though.