jennie jerome

1 oz Martell Cognac (Courvoisier VS)
1 oz Laird's Bonded Apple Brandy
1/2 oz Punt e Mes
1/4 oz Maraschino (Luxardo)
1 tsp Cynar
2 dash Grapefruit Bitters (Bittermens)

Stir with ice and strain into an old fashioned glass with a large ice cube. Two Saturdays ago, I was in the mood for a stiff nightcap after my last bar shift of the week, and the Jennie Jerome at the NoMad in London called out to me via online recipe flashcards. Jennie, best known for being the mother of Winston Churchill, was raised in the family's mansion in the heart of modern-day NoMad neighborhood in Manhattan, and that tied together well the location of the original NoMad bar and this spot's British location. Some Manhattan Cocktail genesis stories revolved around her at the Manhattan Club, so I am surprised that this is not more of a direct riff on that instead of what appears like a Corpse Reviver #1 crossed with a Grand Street. Once prepared, the Jennie Jerome greeted the senses with a brandy and nutty cherry bouquet. Next, a grape and cherry sip revealed Cognac, apple, herbal, and bitter cherry flavors on the swallow.