The Joy of Hex is an irreverent brass interlocking puzzle from the Two Brass Monkeys. The obvious choice of beverage to get in the mood for this “hexual” puzzle might seem to involve a trip to the beach, and the Monkeys do mention this in the manual. But clearly that combination of vodka with peach schnapps, orange and cranberry juice is the stuff of spring breaks and lost memories. I once created a modern “craft” update to the old party classic, keeping the peach, orange and cranberry flavors but using fresh ingredients and liqueurs, and highlighting the Mai Tai like elements of the drink. It’s really good and would be a perfect aphrodisiac for “Position 11” (see the full post for an explanation).

But I wanted to toast the entire creation with something everyone could enjoy, no matter what type of hex you are into. I still used the template for Position 11, though, in a way. That design has five distinct pieces, of which four are present in equal parts, and the fifth in a double dose. Assuming that each piece represents 1/12 of the whole volume, the recipe came together as designed, using the classic Boulevardier as the anchor, one of my favorite drinks. I’ve split the base with bourbon and rum, and added a touch of sweet port on the finish. Boozy, spicy and sweet – it’s damn good hex. Cheers!

The Joy of Hex

1 oz Bourbon

½ oz aged rum

½ oz Campari

½ oz Bonal

½ oz tawny port (Sandeman 20 yr)

Stir ingredients with ice and strain into a favorite glass. Garnish with an erotic slice of citrus … if you dare.

(Ready to go again? Bonus cocktail!)

Under Mai Umbrella (A Sex on the Beach Redux)

1 oz Plantation OFTD

¾ oz Campari

½ oz Pierre Ferrand Dry Orange Curacao

¾ oz Leopold Bros New England Cranberry liqueur

½ ripe peach

Muddle peach and shake ingredients vigorously with ice. Double strain over glass with fresh crushed ice. Garnish with something a-peeling (strategically placed umbrella optional).