Brandy Crusta

There's a good chance you've never seen or heard of a Brandy Crusta, which is an unfortunate result of the circle of life of cocktails. The Crusta is actually the precursor to many a cocktail, including the Sidecar, the Cosmopolitan, and even the Margarita in a sense, but there is a noticeable difference at play in these recipes—proportions. The Brandy Crusta is essentially a healthy dose of brandy seasoned with mere dashes of other flavoring ingredients. This style of drink allows the drinker to really appreciate the base spirit without being overwhelmed by its potency. Perhaps the most impressive part of this cocktail is its lemon-shell garnish. Getting it right can take a bit of effort, but it's worth the trouble. If you're having trouble getting it to stay in place, try frosting the rim of the glass and the lemon peel and then letting them sit until a hard crust is formed.