Brandy Crusta

The Brandy Crusta is a classic New Orleans cocktail that has been enjoyed since the 19th century. This unique concoction combines brandy, lemon juice, triple sec and simple syrup to create a flavor profile that is both sweet and tart. It is thought to have first been created by Joseph Santini at the Jewel of the South Saloon in 1852, though its exact origins remain a mystery.

What sets the Brandy Crusta apart from other cocktails is its signature ingredient: curacao. Curacao is an orange flavored liqueur produced from the laraha citrus fruit which grows on the island of Curacao in the Caribbean. When used in combination with brandy, it creates a mellow yet flavorful base for this Old World masterpiece.

The traditional recipe for Brandy Crusta calls for two ounces of brandy, one ounce of curacao, one ounce of fresh lemon juice, and one teaspoon of sugar syrup (or simple syrup) – all shaken together with ice before being strained into a glass. To add an extra special touch; many bartenders will also rim their glass with sugar and/or citron before pouring in the cocktail to give it an added crunch alongside its robust flavors.