Morning Buzz
Morning Buzz by Jillian Vose
The cocktail toast for today also deserves a brief introductory story. I mentioned that my wife and I love coffee. It’s true, but she makes it a serious priority. In fact she loves it from the moment she wakes up every morning. The first thing she does every day, practically even before she gets out of bed, is attend to her morning coffee buzz. And I’m sure a lot of you can relate. So here’s a perfect cocktail to go with the perfect puzzle box.
I don't actually advocate drinking cocktails first thing in the morning ...
“I love being married. It’s so great to find that one special person you want to annoy for the rest of your life.” – Rita Rudner
This decadent delight comes from superstar mixologist Jillian Vose, beverage director at New York’s The Dead Rabbit, from her former time at Death and Company. In it she mixes up a winning combination of cognac and rum tempered with Amontillado sherry, and sweetened with a touch of honey syrup and orgeat. As if that wasn’t enough, the recipe goes full egg cream with an egg yolk and the piece de resistance, Honey Nut Cheerio infused heavy cream. Which is incredibly delicious, in case there is any doubt.
When you want breakfast, for dessert
“There are a hundred paths through the world that are easier than loving. But who wants easier?” – Mary Oliver
I tinkered a bit with the recipe, using some homemade pecan orgeat (rather than the traditional almond orgeat) which I had handy. I also found myself lacking any heavy cream. So I raised the stakes and swapped the egg and cream for melted Haagen Daz vanilla ice cream instead, which is practically the same thing but even better, and infused that with the Honey Nut Cheerios. The result? A morning buzz you can crave all day. Here’s to romantic stories, to love, to coffee, and to us. Cheers!
a buzzy pair
Morning Buzz by Jillian Vose
1 oz cognac
¾ oz aged rum
½ oz Amontillado sherry
¼ oz orgeat
¼ oz honey syrup
¾ oz Honey Nut Cheerio-infused cream
1 egg yolk
Dry shake ingredients (no ice) to agitate then add ice and shake to chill. Double strain into a favorite glass, or coffee mug. Cheers!