Judgette

The Judgette is a pretty serious cocktail, despite the cute name. It is not the feminine version of any cocktail, but stands alone. Peach brandy is the central flavor and dry vermouth and lime juice add a bitter and sour balance. It is like a drier Lugger or a peachier Darb.

I have had peach brandy before and it is slightly distinguishable from other fruit brandies. Some have more peach flavor than others. I don't have any peach brandy, however; so I made some like this: 2 parts apple brandy, 1 part cognac, 1 part American brandy, 1 part peach schnapps. I bottled this mixture and used it to make the Georgia Peach as well. I will probably continue to use use the recipe in the future rather than buy an expensive peach brandy when I have plenty of expensive cognacs and brandies.

• 2 oz. gin
• 1 1/2 oz. peach brandy
• 1 oz. dry vermouth
• 1/2 tsp. lime juice

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