Pocono Love Potion

<p>&lt;p&gt;It can get a little lonely coming home at 4am to an empty house, empty bed and empty cuppard. I don't usually drink when I get home, but with a day off (finally) and a cold looming, I thought a knightcap was needed. A knight was too difficult to find at this hour.

I have not been to the store in days so a fresh citrus drink is out of the question. I doubt I have fresh vermouth, so no Martinis Manhattans, negronis, etc... An Old Fashioned is the perfect cocktail for the bare bones bar.  Bitters, sugar, spirit, water.  I have a beautiful new cognac from Pierre Ferrand based on an original 1840 bottle that is suitable for Jerry Thomas to mix up. I threw in some Creole and Jerry Thomas (speak of the devil) bitters and a touch a maple syrup. Add a kicky glass and suddenly I feel better. Raise your spirits when you raise your glass!

Bramble On!

The Bramble is known as a popular drink in the UK where bartender Dick Bradcell created it (according to the folks at The Wikitender), but it is based on a much older Jerry Thomas recipe from the 1860's called the Gin Fix. Basically its a combination of lemon, sugar, gin, crushed ice, berry syrup (or liqueur in the Bramble) with seasonal berries. This is a perfect early summer drink and goes down so well in a variety of forms.

At Fort Defiance we make a version called the Warwick Bramble that uses local black current liqueur from the Warwick Valley. Last year Damon from Prime Meats had a Tequila Bramble on the menu using a tasty reposado.

Using the oaky quality of the Luna Sueno Anjeo, I make my Agave Bramble with fresh black berries and raspberries, lemon and agave nectar for sweetness. I guess it is technically closer to a Fix since I like to keep things simple and paired down to showcase the spirit. But if you have some good berry liqueur hanging around, a floater of it on top couldn't hurt!

If you would like to try my Bramble, I will be serving them tonight at a free tasting at Best Cellars on Broadway between 80th and 81st from 5-8pm.

Bramble on!

Agave Bramble
2 oz Luna Sueno Anejo
1 oz fresh lemon juice
3/4 oz Agave Nectar
2 raspberries
1 blackberry

Add all ingredients to a shaker with ice and shake well. Strain and serve in a rocks glass over cracked ice. Garnish with some more fresh berries and lemon wheel.