Bourbon & Brandy is the New Craft Cocktail

A bourbon and brandy done correctly should feel like a leather kiss.

To liven up a bourbon cocktail, blend it with Armagnac brandy, which just might be the hottest craft spirit of the moment. Brandon Ristaino, owner of the Good Lion in Santa Barbara, California, describes his bourbon and brandy as a stronger French twist on an old-fashioned.

“This cocktail really satisfies after dinner and just feels like a leather kiss—which is a good thing,


trust me,” Ristaino says. Pucker up.

Ingredients


1½ oz bourbon


(Elijah Craig 12 Year preferred)


1⁄2 oz Armagnac


1⁄2 oz Pedro


Ximénez Sherry


2 dashes Angostura bitters


Orange twist

Directions


Pour liquids into mixing glass. Stir with ice for 30 seconds, then strain into chilled cocktail glass. For a decadent finishing touch, flame the orange peel and place into cocktail. Start sipping.

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Photos by AnaÏs & Dax