One of the oldest and most perfect of three-ingredient cocktails, the Japanese Cocktail first saw print in 1862 but remains stubbornly unknown and underappreciated, though it’s widely respected among bartenders. Perhaps it is too intimidating to be truly beloved. The combination of strong brandy and thick, rich orgeat can knock you on your heels at first sip if you’re unfamiliar with it—hell, even if you are familiar with it. It is the ultimate nightcap. It is also a rare cocktail that was actually invented by that paragon of mid-19th-century mixology, Jerry Thomas. If this drink alone had been his legacy, it would be enough for us to honor his name.
Recipe information
Total Time
2 minutes
Yield
Makes 1 cocktail
Ingredients
Preparation
Step 1
Combine cognac, orgeat, and bitters in a mixing glass filled with ice and stir until chilled, about 30 seconds. Strain into a chilled coupe.
Step 2
Express lemon twist over the drink and drop into the glass.
