The classic “Japanese Cocktail”
2oz Cognac
1/2oz orgeat
2 dashes of Angostura
Shake & strain into a coupe
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This cocktail has been around for a WHILE. This pre-prohibition cocktail first appeared in the famous Jerry Thomas’s 1862 book “How To Mix Drinks”. It’s perhaps named after a few visits to Thomas’s NYC bar by members of Japan’s first legation to America in June 1860. Tateishi Onojirou Noriyuki, “Tommy” was an English speaking member of the legation and enjoyed some libations and flirtations in Thomas’s bar. Apparently Thomas created the drink to mark the occasion.
Last weekend, I finally made my own orgeat syrup (will post the recipe I used in the comments). Orgeat has its own long history- it’s essentially an almond flavored syrup.