Prince's Coffee

 I don't know if there's a name for this drink, actually. It's an old classic since the invention of Drambuie, which, from what I can tell, came about sometime before the Jacobite Rebellion in 1745. It's not so much an issue as to whether Drambuie existed, (which it probably did in some form not unlike that which exists today) but whether or not coffee was at hand. It was probably difficult to score some Joe in the Scottish Highlands. 

So here is a cocktail that is so simple, you can make it while reloading a musket. 

• 1 1/2 oz. Drambuie
• coffee
• whipped cream

Pour Drambuie in a warmed coffee mug and top with coffee. Stir and float whipped cream on the hot beverage.

 

Prince Albert's Salute

 

I like a drink with the word "salute" in the name. There's something kind of martial and celebratory about it. I also like a cocktail with four ounces of liquor, which you just put in a glass and add ice if you wish. It's about the convenience of consumption--and quantity--and that's important when there's a military parade in your honor to attend. 

Though Prince Albert (England's Edward VII before he was crowned king) was British, this is a cognac drink with equal measure of the Germanic liqueur, kummel. Kummel is a caraway spirit that is sweetened with honey and includes a variety of spices and herbs including anise seeds and fennel. (This is, of course, the sweet kummel recipe because I can't imagine this cocktail being done with dry kummel.)

The experience of this cocktail is both in its warm and chilled/ diluted forms. If unchilled and warmed in a snifter, the cocktail's honey and spice notes are most prominent, not unlike Drambuie. That in itself makes the name of "Prince" a nod to Drambuie's Bonnie Prince Charlie. Add ice, however, and you experience a cognac rocks drink that is easier to finish quickly before the salute.

• 2 oz. cognac (Martel single distillery used)
• 2 oz. kummel (homemade sweet kummel used)

Pour liquors into a brandy snifter and swirl while drinking. Alternatively add ice and enjoy chilled.

Prince's Smile

Wow! That's all I can say for this refreshingly bright yet sweet gin cocktail. I was especially pleased (it made me smile) that it was well balanced and played to the strengths of all ingredients, including apple and apricot brandies.

So even though I used cheap apricot flavored brandy, I had real apple brandy that was infused with real winesap apple flavors. This, and spicy gin from MurLarkey, gave the drink a very classic taste that I couldn't get enough of. It was a great use of the last drops of my apple brandy.

• 2 oz. gin (MurLarkey ImaGination used)
• 1 oz. apple brandy
• 1 oz. apricot brandy
• 1 tsp. lemon juice

Combine all ingredients in a shaker with ice. Shake and strain into a chilled cocktail glass.