Fred Ferretti's Delight

Such a whimsical name for a drink, and one that's perhaps become enigmatic over time. The question remains: who is this Fred Ferretti? Is it the New York Time's food critic or just some guy at the bar who had a thing for Italian spirits. We might never know.

This is a proper name for an Italian cocktail, however, with grappa and Strega and citrus. I didn't have grappa, which is a brandy made from grape pumice. But in terms of taste, kirschwasser comes very close. It is made from black cherry juice, it is also clear, and hit has a funky fruit brandy taste and scent. Plus, Black Forest cherries aren't too far from Northern Italy anyway.

I think the overall experience with this drink is that it is balanced citrus flavors with rich liquors with a lot of character of their own. I'd like to try it again with grappa, or try it out on someone. If I ever run into a guy named Fred Ferretti, I'll ask him if he wants one.

• 1 oz. kirschwasser
• 1 oz. Strega
• 1 oz. lemon juice
• 1 oz. orange juice
• lemon or orange twist

Combine liquid ingredients in a shaker with ice. Shake and strain into a chilled cocktail glass and garnish with the twist.