Brightest Young Things

I like today's cocktail because it uses orange curacao (a curacao not commonly called for) and the name sounds like some kind of trippy variety show that no doubt would feature puppets and old ladies in straw hats. As a side not, try using orange bitters next time in your Rob Roy instead of Angostura for a different twist on an old favorite.

Mister Ernie Sutton's Gin Blind Cocktail

• 1 1/2 oz gin
• 3/4 oz orange curacao
• 1/4 oz brandy
• 1 dash orange bitters

Stir in mixing glass with ice and strain into a cocktail glass. If you don't have orange bitters handy (and frankly, who does?) you can make your own substitute from orange peel and Angostura bitters. Peel an orange, making sure to remove the pith but keep enough skin with orange essence, and let it steep in Angostura bitters for about an hour or so. This drink is strong, very strong, and depending on the brandy you use could taste like gasoline or like a fine cocktail. It may not seem like it, given that you're adding orange curacao and bitters, but using cheap brandy in this cocktail makes a marked difference. Get a small bottle of Remy Martin and stay away from E&J for this one.