Mount Dandy

I had some left over brandy from glogg making this Holiday season so I decided to whip together a cocktail. I know what you're thinking: Even Snookie wouldn't drink brandy from a martini glass! I apologize, I don't have a full assortment of drink-ware.

Serves 4
20 minutes

1/2 cup Brandy
1/3 cup Triple sec
2/3 cup Blackberry simple syrup
1/2 cup Sweetened vanilla almond milk
4 Blackberries for garnish

Blackberry Simple Syrup
1 cup Light brown sugar
1 cup Water
1 cup Blackberries
6 1inch pieces orange peel
1/4 tsp Vanilla extract, high quality

1. Simple syrup: Combine water and sugar in sauce pan over low heat. Meanwhile, process blackberries in food processor till smooth. Once sugar is dissolved add blackberries, orange peels and vanilla. Simmer for 15 minutes, strain and allow to cool.
2. Cocktail: Combine triple sec, brandy and simple syrup; pour into glass. Pour your float by placing spoon face up on the edge of your glass; pour milk, very slowly, into spoon allowing to over flow. Here is a perfect example.
3. I always toast, for there is always something to toast!

Glogg

I wont lie, this was a tough recipe to share. Why is it so hard to share the good things in life? A good band, restaurant, in this case; a recipe. It's like a selfish super secret. Does it make it less special because more people know about it? People are rather quick to discredit something because it hits main stream. I never understood it and I still don't even though I'm experiencing some of the same reluctance now. Alas, someone shared this recipe with me years ago and I would be an even bigger a*#hole if I didn't share this liquid of spectacular.

If I don't double this recipe, I'm never able to have a second glass because the drunkards I call family and friends have had it all. I recommend the same unless you are surrounded by people who are able to practice a little more self restraint.

Serves 6
20 minutes

1 750ml bottle Tawny port
3/4 cup Brandy
15 Cloves, whole
 4 Cinnamon sticks
1 tsp Cardamom, ground (or 10 cardamom seeds)
The peel of one orange, cut into silver dollar size pieces
Raisins and almond slivers for garnish

1. Add about a cup of water into a big pot along with cloves, cinnamon, cardamom and orange peel. Bring to boil, lower heat and simmer for 5 minutes. I do this to start opening up the bouquet of spices and peel.
2. Add your port and brandy, heat through. Add your raisins, almonds and serve. Keep covered on very low heat. You don't want this to simmer.

I would also like to note that I make strong drinks. You've been warned.