Nuitcap

A modern and decidedly French-slanted nightcap, the Nuitcap combines Cognac, blanc vermouth and a drinker’s choice of bitter, herbal liqueur: Salers, génépy or Suze. Salers makes for a drier cocktail, while génépy leans sweeter and more herbal. Suze shifts the drink toward the more bitter — and bright yellow — side. A final splash of soda water is kept to a modest 1 ounce, diluting the drink, but not so much that it moves into spritz territory.

Ingredients

• Ice

• 1

  ounce Cognac

• 1

  ounce blanc vermouth

• ½

  ounce Salers, génépy or Suze

• ¼

  ounce orange liqueur, such as Pierre Ferrand Dry Curaçao, Cointreau or triple sec

• 1

  ounce soda water, to top

• 1

  orange wedge or lemon peel, to garnish

Preparation

1. Fill a mixing glass with ice, and add the Cognac, vermouth, Salers and orange liqueur. Stir for 30 seconds, then strain into an ice-filled lowball glass. Top with soda water and garnish with the orange wedge or lemon peel.