Longines
Ingredients
- 1 1⁄3 oz Spanish brandy
- 1⁄2 oz Aniseed (anise) liqueur
- 1 oz Cold black tea
- 1⁄4 oz Sugar syrup 'rich'
Method
Glassware:
Serve in a Coupe glass
Prepare:
- Select and pre-chill a COUPE GLASS.
- Prepare garnish of lemon zest twist.
Method:
- SHAKE all ingredients with ice.
- FINE STRAIN into chilled glass.
Garnish:
- EXPRESS lemon zest twist over the cocktail and use as garnish.
Nutrition:
One serving of Longines contains 163 calories
History:
Adapted from a recipe created in the 1930s-40s by the famous bartender, Constante Ribalaigua Vert at his Floridita bar in Havana, Cuba. The Longines shows his Spanish origins (he was born outside of Barcelona in 1888) with its use of Spanish brandy and (originally) Anis del Mono, a Spanish aniseed liqueur available in two styles, Dulce (sweet) and Secco (dry). The Dulce is by far the most popular style and almost certainly the one used by Constante.
Review:
The combination of Spanish brandy, strong aniseed liqueur (at least 40% alc./vol.) and black tea give this cocktail a pleasing liquorice flavour with mouth numbing freshness. Traditionally a dulce (sweet) Spanish aniseed liqueur would be used without the added sugar. If using a dry (secco) aniseed liqueur then I'd suggest adding a generous bar spoon of sugar.
