Photo: Claire Lower
I am, to quote my favorite show, the tiredest I have ever been in my life. There is no real reason for it, except for the fact that I’ve been having incredibly active, involved dreams every night, which is not entirely restful. I feel dull and draggy, and not inclined to shake or stir a single drink.
I still would like a drink, however, but I do not have the energy to “put on clothes” and “go to a bar.” Lucky for me, and anyone else who might be similarly tired for no real reason, there are many delightful beverages that can be built right in the cocktail glass, including the fancy and refined B&B (Brandy and Benedictine).
It’s really a two-ingredient cocktail, but it gets away with it because both ingredients are so flavorful. Though it is supposed to be made with “nice” brandy, I am happy to report that it does just fine with a $9 bottle. (This is thanks to the Benedictine, which is a one of a kind, extremely spicy and herbaceous spirit for which there is no substitute).
If you do happen to have “nice” brandy, it’s worth trying this cocktail at room temperature, but it’s quite lovely over ice. (It’s extra fun if that ice comes in one large cube; I love the “clinky clinky” sound it makes when you swirl it around.) To make this distinguished drink, you will need:
1 1/2 ounces Benedictine1 1/2 ounces brandy1 strip of lemon zestPour both liquids into a snifter and stir. Add ice if you are so inclined. Express the oils from the strip of lemons zest into the beverage, then rub the zest around the edge of the snifter before dropping it in. The B&B is especially well-suited for after-dinner drinks, ideally taken in the library while sitting in a leather chair.
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