Hugo’s Bitter Bracer
While looking for a way to use this month’s amaro in a shaken drink with roots in the early 20th century, I happened upon Hugo Ensslin’s “Hugo Bracer” from 1917. Originally a mix of apple brandy, lime, Amer Picon and grenadine served in a goblet, ours goes in a yet-more-tropical direction, expressing what I’d call a proto-“tiki” aesthetic.
INGREDIENTS
1 oz. añejo tequila
½ oz. blanco tequila
1 oz. lime juice
½ oz. grenadine
Amaro, for float
Cinnamon, for garnish
Lime wheel, for garnish
Cocktail cherry, for garnish
ABV LEVEL
Combine tequilas, lime, and grenadine in a shaker. Add plenty of ice and shake vigorously for 15 seconds. Double strain into a footed pilsner or Collins glass. Fill with crushed ice. Pour ½ oz. amaro on top and garnish with a lime wheel, cherry and freshly grated cinnamon. Serve with a straw.
