Just in time for the holiday season, comes this classic from the 1920s – what I like to call the Golden Age of Drinking. Cognac-based, it’s stout enough to confront the cold weather. Yet it’s a totally refreshing sip for the weary drinker after a long day of work, or Christmas shopping, or dealing with visiting relatives – or all three.
It’s a variation on the classic Sidecar (my all-time favorite) but the substitution of Chartreuse and simple syrup for the triple sec in a Sidecar, and the inclusion of herbaceous Angostura bitters, gives it a delicious twist. Tart-sweet. Spicy. Provocative. Fun!
I included this among my cocktail offerings at Thanksgiving dinner this year and everyone was thankful. Try a couple and you will be, too.
Champs Élysées
1½ oz. cognac (I’ve used cheap brandy and it works just fine)
¾ oz. lemon juice
½ oz. simple syrup
¼ oz green Chartreuse
2 dashed Angostura bitters
Combine the ingredients in a shaker and shake for 10 to 12 seconds (I count them) to get it frosty cold. Serve straight up.