Brandy Crusta 21

Total time: 5 minutes

Servings: 1

Note: From Tony Abou-Ganim, who created this drink for Bellagio resort in Las Vegas. Maraschino Luxardo is available at Wally’s Wine & Spirits in West Los Angeles and Beverage Warehouse in Marina del Rey.

1/2lemon

Superfine sugar

2 ounces Hennessy VS Cognac

1/2ounce orange Curaçao

1/4 ounce Maraschino Luxardo liqueur

1 ounce fresh lemon juice

1/2 ounce simple syrup

Dash Angostura bitters

1. Before mixing, prepare a cocktail glass as follows: Rub a slice of lemon around the rim of the glass and dip the glass in superfine sugar so the sugar adheres to the edge of the glass.

2. Pare half a lemon in a one-piece spiral; arrange the lemon peel spiral to line the inside of the glass.

3. Fill a small cocktail shaker with one-third cup cracked ice. Add the Cognac, Curaçao, maraschino liqueur, lemon juice, simple syrup and bitters. Shake well. Strain into the prepared cocktail glass.

Each serving: 266 calories; 0 protein; 26 grams carbohydrates; 0 fiber; 0 fat; 0 saturated fat; 0 cholesterol; 2 mg. sodium.