Last Waltz

""Hey Hedgehog, what say we rattle something together?" called Rat, reaching for a bottle of cherry brandy on a shelf above his head."

The Last Waltz brings peppered dark fruit, cherry and spice to the table. It's also topped with sparkling wine or Champagne, so it's a fantastic Christmas Day drink for when your guests need a little enlivening.

The pepper comes from the use of rye whiskey (although a spicy single malt would also work) and is tamed by the cherry liqueur to produce a satisfying balance. Chartreuse adds depth, while the surprising inclusion of chocolate cocktail bitters gives a rich mouthfeel and an alluring touch of Mexican spice.

Last Waltz

30ml rye whiskey
15ml Cherry Heering
barspoon of Chartreuse
three dashes of chocolate / mole bitters
sparkling wine

Combine all ingredients (except the sparkling wine) in a mixing glass with cubed ice. Stir well and strain into a chilled coupe. Top with sparkling wine and garnish with a twist of lemon peel.

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