Brandy Crusta

The Brandy Crusta belongs to that category of sweet--almost dessert--drinks that put a little sugar texture on the rim of the glass. They are usually cocktail glass servings but are sometimes on the rocks.

This cocktail calls for brandy, but I opted for all European ingredients, and better quality at the same time. Courvoisier VO, Luxardo maraschino and Triplum, triple sec. This was a good move. 3/4 oz. of triple sec can add so much sweetness that a drink's mouthfeel goes off the mark. Triplum is 40 proof, so it balances sweetness and thickness with firm alcoholic presence.

This is definitely a cocktail for people who love sweet and showy drinks. The sugar on the rim is the only added sugar to the drink and it pairs well with the lemon sourness. Then the orange and cherry liqueurs create a lot of interest and complexity. It's still very sweet, but most people who don't drink cocktails all the time won't mind.

• 2 oz. brandy (Courvoisier VS used)
• 1/2 oz. lemon juice
• 3/4 oz. triple sec
• 2 tsp. maraschino liqueur
• 2 tbsp sugar
• lemon slice

Combine liquid ingredients in a shaker with ice. Shake and strain into a chilled cocktail glass rimmed with sugar. Garnish with a lemon slice.