Quaker Cocktail

So I didn't think Quakers were much into drinking, or that they would approve of such a hefty helping of booze in a single drink. Altogether the Quaker Cocktail has 3 1/2 oz. of 40 proof spirits. It also has raspberry syrup, which I will also include with this recipe.

On first taste, this cocktail was like love and I am happy to be experimenting with delicious pink syrups right around Valentine's Day. It seems that raspberry syrup adds both color and sweetness that is fresher and more tart than grenadine, but would make an excellent substitute in almost any occasion. Lemon juice gives it acidity and the hefty 2.5 oz. of brandy (I recommend cognac) means that it has a silkier mouthfeel than a gin or rum only drink.

• 2 1/2 oz. brandy (Courvoissier used)
• 1 1/2 oz. light rum
• 1/2 oz. lemon juice
• 1/2 oz. raspberry syrup
• lemon twist

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

For an excellent raspberry syrup, combine 1 1/2 cups of fresh raspberries, 2 cups of water and 1 cup of fine sugar in a saucepan and heat until boiling. Stir occasionally to dissolve sugar. Cut heat and allow to cool for ten minutes. Use a potato masher to smash the berries into the syrup until it is evenly mixed.

Using a fine strainer, separate the syrup from the berry seeds and store in a cool dry place.