Winter’s Potpourri

Today’s clever cocktail is an original from the Bottle Pro’s Cocktail Kitchen.  The holidays are here and this creation pays homage to the smells of season.  It is a perfect ice breaker to offer guests coming in from the cold.  It warms the soul and brings holiday cheer to the imbiber.

Winter’s Potpourri

In a shaker glass filled with ice add:

• 1 Ounce VS Cognac 
• ½ Ounce Apple Brandy (we used Lairds Applejack)
• ½ Ounce Potpourri Simple Syrup*
• ¼ Ounce Grand Marnier
• ¼ Ounce Sweet Vermouth (Carpano Antica Formula Please)

Shake and strain into a short tumbler over fresh ice.  Garnish with an orange slice & whole star anise (lay centered over the drink).

*Potpourri Simple Syrup

In a medium saucepan add:

• ½ Cup Water
• ½ Cup Light Brown Sugar

Bring to a slow boil, reduce heat, then add:

• 5 Allspice Berries (crushed)
• 5 Pieces of Clove
• 1 Cinnamon Stick (broken into pieces)
• 1 Star Anise
• 1 teaspoon pink peppercorns
• 1/8 teaspoon fresh grated nutmeg
• 1 tablespoon orange zest

Simmer on low until reduced by 1/3 so it coats a spoon. Cool, strain through a fine sieve (discarding solids) and put up in a sterile glass bottle. Will keep in the refrigerator for 7-10 days.