Vanderbilt Cocktail

The name Vanderbilt suggests stately bearing and richness of character, if not pocketbook. This drink delivers with brandy (cognac please) a good helping of cherry liqueur and Angostura bitters.

Cherry Heering is the right choice here because it has an old-world black cherry flavor. It's not as candy-like as wild cherry brandies. Cognac is also the right choice, though a smooth American cherry brandy would be appropriate. This drink is sweet enough you could omit the sugar, but I wouldn't. You miss the rich experience without it.

• 2 oz. brandy (cognac please)
• 1 oz. cherry brandy (Cherry Heering used)
• 1/2 tsp. sugar
• 3 dashes Angostura bitters

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