No, your eyes are not deceiving you. This is a new post, after a much-longer-than-expected hiatus. Things got away from me for a while and, sadly, posting was one of the items that was consistently overlooked. I’ve had the time and inclination of late to begin stockpiling photos and drinks for new posts, so never fear—let the mixing resume!

At home last week, I was getting ready to make dinner and had a jones for something sweet. Red is always such a cheery color, I decided the East India Cocktail sounded like a likely concoction. After all, it is featured in Doc’s wonderful Vintage Spirits and Forgotten Cocktails, which never lets me down.

3 oz brandy
½ oz raspberry syrup
1 teaspoon curaçao
1 teaspon maraschino liqueur
dash Angostura bitters

Shake over ice and strain into a cocktail glass. Garnish with a maraschino cherry.

It’s quick to make and skips right along your tongue, but don’t forget that there are three shots of brandy in this. About fifteen minutes into dinner prep I was more than half done with my glass, a circumstance which made itself clear to me in very short order. Next time, I’ll save this one for after dinner.