Savoy Corpse Reviver

Last year I did an article on scary drinks that featured the Corpse Reviver #2. That is an easy drink to come to terms with because it has gin, Cointreau, lemon juice...the same stuff you probably drank the night before, which necessitated a Corpse Reviver in the morning. This one uses Fernet Branca. I was reluctant to buy a bottle of Fernet because it is so bitter, so I asked the guys at Potomac Wines and Spirits in Georgetown for help. They tell me that Meletti is a less bitter Amaro that doesn't have the mint flavor of Fernet Branca. After tasting it, I decided that it was good on its own and might even be a substitute for Campari.

The Savoy Corpse Reviver is an old-time recipe using white creme de menthe, Fernet, and brandy. It sounds disgusting. But the minty flavor of Fernet would be wasted in a drink that already has creme de menthe. Meletti made for a less bitter mint flavor but still medicinal tasting drink that was just awesome with chocolate chip cookies.

Here's how to make this Corpse Reviver:

• 1 oz. brandy
• 1 oz. Fernet Branca (Meletti Amaro used)
• 1 oz. white creme de cacao

Combine all ingredients in a shaker with ice. Shake and strain into a chilled cocktail glass.

Potomac Wines and Spirits is a premiere liquor store in D.C.'s fashion district, Georgetown. I catch the circulator bus from Roselyn to get there every few weeks to check out the cocktail scene and I make a point of stopping in and adding to my wish list. As you can see, they have an awesome selection of liqueurs, Amaros, vermouths, etc. It's expensive stuff and it goes quickly on the home bar. If anyone wants to know what I'd like as a gift, anything in this picture would be great.