The Handy Bird
Brandy and rye split under curacao, in an absinthe-rinsed glass
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 ozBrandyThe larger half of the split; a cognac in the original
- 3/4 ozRye WhiskeyA hundred proof rye, for the spine
- 2 dashesHair of the Dog BittersGinger, fennel and a trace of wintergreenSubstitute: Any ginger-led aromatic bitters
- 1/2 ozDry CuracaoA dry one; a sweet triple sec turns this cloying
- rinseAbsintheA rinse only; tip away what pools
Instructions
- Rinse a chilled coupe with absinthe and tip away the excess
A film, not a measure
- Add 1 1/4 oz brandy, 3/4 oz rye, 1/2 oz dry curacao and 2 dashes Hair of the Dog bitters to a mixing glass
- Fill with ice and stir until cold
- Strain into the rinsed glass
- Express a lemon twist over the surface and drop it in
Technique Notes
The rinse goes in first and most of it comes back out. Coat the inside of a chilled glass with absinthe, tip away what pools, and what stays is a film that reaches the nose before anything is tasted. Poured in as a measured ingredient it would take the drink over.
Why the The Handy Bird Works
Absinthe and wintergreen are both cooling in the same way, which is what lets a rinse this faint read as part of the drink rather than as a smell over the top of it. The curacao is the only sweetness, so the bitters has ginger and fennel to put against dry brandy.