Cocktail: Richard's Remedy

I can say with ease that my grandpa Dick was the best man I've ever known. Without getting too gushy about it all, he lived a simple life with grace, humility, compassion, and most of all happiness. Hey may not have always let you know it obviously, but if something tickled his fancy he would immediately throw on his unmistakable upside-down smile and have a hearty laugh about it. I could do the world no greater service than to model my life after his virtues.

It's a hefty undertaking to live up to that standard, so in the meantime I will be content just mimicking some of his favorite habits. Food and drink related this probably accounts with my fanatical appreciation of bread, cheese, and brandy. The bread and cheese always made perfect sense, but as a kid I always found it hilarious how his answer to any of life's ailments usually involved brandy.

Bad headache? A bit of brandy and a nap will set you straight. Starting to feel a cold coming on? Warm some brandy and honey (always honey, as he was a beekeeper by trade) and it will pass. Sore throat? Brandy, lemon, and honey. Bad day? You get the picture.

Oddly enough, I rarely ever saw him drink brandy as a kid, although this was probably more my grandma's doing than his. When he got his hall pass on the holidays he was always one of the happiest and funniest drunks I've ever seen.

Simple and thrifty are two of his traits I will never know. He would never consider making this exact cocktail due to the ingredients, but would love it none the less. (And then he would tell you it would cure whatever ails ya)

Richard's Remedy

2oz Spanish Brandy
3/4 oz Meyer Lemon Juice
3/4 oz Honey-Ginger Syrup *recipe to follow
1 Rosemary Sprig for Garnish

Combine the brandy, meyer lemon juice, and syrup in a glass with ice. Stir thoroughly for 10 seconds, then garnish with the rosemary sprig.

A few ground rules:
1) Use Spanish brandy. It's sweeter than traditional brandy or cognac, which is great for this cocktail. I used Lepanto because it is what I had on hand, but most any traditionalist would kick me for using such a high end brandy in a mixed drink.
2) Meyer Lemons are not necessary but I like the sweeter, less acidic,orangey twist it gives. Plus they are in season. Regular juice would work just fine.
3) I love the bitterness and freshness that herbs add to cocktails. The rosemary adds another understated note to it all, but if you don't have it on hand, by no means do you need it for this preparation.

Honey-Ginger Syrup
3/4 cup of Honey
3/4 cup of Water
1-2 inch Nob of fresh ginger, peeled and minced

Combine all ingredients in a sauce pan, stir as you bring it to a boil. Remove from heat, allow to cool, and strain into a squeeze bottle.