Mikado

A brandy and orange liqueur cocktail mix offering rich flavor and depth is the MIKADO. It incorporates a dash of almond liqueur—either Amaretto or Crème de noyaux—along with grenadine, resulting in an overall flavor profile of almond and cherry. The brandy balances the sweetness with its woody tones derived from the wooden casks in which it is aged. My preferred mix tones down the sweetness:

Requirements: brandy, orange liqueur (Triple Sec or Cointreau), Crème de noyaux or Amaretto, grenadine, Angostura bitters

• 2 oz. brandy
• 1/2 oz. orange liqueur
• 1/2 teaspoon (or less) Crème de noyaux or Amaretto
• 1 teaspoon (or less) grenadine
• 1 dash Angostura bitters

Add the ingredients to an ice-filled shaker and shake vigorously. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass.

Comments: Since this drink is dominated by brandy with four very small portions of other ingredients, it makes sense to prepare more than one serving per mix. The sweetness can be adjusted according to personal taste by reducing or increasing the amount of almond-flavored liqueur and grenadine. This drink is also often served on the rocks in an Old-Fashioned glass. It’s highly recommended as a cocktail to pair with a good cigar. Notably, the Mikado cocktail has no Japanese influence or relationship to the Gilbert & Sullivan musical of the same name.

Kanpai!

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