chauchat

This one’s based on the French 75. 1 ½ oz cognac or brandy ½ oz lillet ½ oz simple syrup ½ oz lemon juice combine in shaker over ice, strain into cocktail glass.

kir normand

We discovered this in Normandy. It replaces the champagne in a Kir Royale with cider as is fitting Normandy’s agricultural specialty. The splash of calvados (apple brandy) gives it a little extra kick. 2¼ oz hard cider ½ oz crème de cassis ½ oz calvados Combine over ice in an old fashioned glass. Alternate: Chill

sidecar

The most classic of classic cocktails. And, my first. You always remember your first. 2 oz brandy 1 oz triple sec 1 oz lemon juice Combine in a shaker over ice, and strain into cocktail glass.

alabazam

A teaspoon of bitters? Spicy. 1½ oz brandy 2 tsp triple sec 1 tsp Angostura bitters 1 tsp sugar 1 tsp lemon juice In old fashioned glass, combine and stir until sugar dissolves. Add ice, and stir.