Heart-Shaped Box

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Cocktail History

The Heart-Shaped Box is a modern cocktail that was created by Brad Farran at Death & Company in New York City, New York. Named for the popular Nirvana song that was released in 1993, the recipe mixes French brandy with a unique flavor combination of floral elderflower, tart lemon, sugary cinnamon syrup, savory balsamic vinegar, aromatic bitters, and strawberries to make a sweet yet spicy and sophisticated drink.

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Cocktail Ingredients

To make this cocktail, you’ll need the following ingredients:

Cognac: This is a type of brandy made in Cognac, France with distilled white wine. I used Courvoisier VSOP Cognac.

Elderflower Liqueur: This is a liqueur made with elderflowers, citrus, herbs, sugar, and alcohol. I used Edinburgh Gin Distillery Elderflower Gin Liqueur.

Lemon Juice: This is the liquid juice of a lemon. I used freshly squeezed lemon juice.

Cinnamon Syrup: This is a sweetener made with cinnamon sticks, white sugar, gum arabic powder, saline solution, and water. I made mine using this sous vide recipe.

Balsamic Vinegar: This is a dark and intensely flavored vinegar made with grape must.

Aromatic Bitters: This is a food product made with botanicals, herbs, and alcohol. I used Angostura Aromatic Bitters.

Strawberries: This a small red fruit that is soft and juicy and has yellow seeds on its skin.

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Bartending Tools

To make this cocktail, you’ll need the following bar tools:

Jigger: This is used to measure and pour ingredients. I used the Japanese jigger from the A Bar Above 14-Piece Silver Bar Set.

Muddler: This is used to muddle ingredients. I used the HQY Stainless Steel Cocktail Muddler.

Boston Shaker: This is used to shake ingredients. I used the Boston shaker from the A Bar Above 14-Piece Silver Bar Set.

Hawthorne Strainer: This is used to strain out ice and solid ingredients after the cocktail is shaken. I used the A Bar Above Hawthorne Strainer.

Paring Knife: This is used to cut ingredients. I used the OXO Good Grips 3.5 Inch Paring Knife.

Juicer: This is used to juice citrus. I used the ALEEHAI Manual Fruit Juicer.

Cocktail Pick: This is used to hold the garnish. I used one from the Viski Gunmetal Cocktail Pick Set.

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Tasting Notes

This cocktail has the following flavor profile:

• Appearance: Light red-ish brown color

• Aroma: Strawberry and florals

• Taste: Complex brandy, baking spices, and elderflower flavor

• Finish: Tart lemon and tangy vinegar

Kendall’s Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Kendall’s Take: "If you’re on the lookout for what could pass as a Valentine’s Day-inspired cocktail that has a more masculine vibe to it, this is a fabulous choice. The spicy brandy and cinnamon blend surprisingly well with the recipe’s fruity and floral notes, and the vinegar is a wildcard that adds an intriguing savoriness. I really, really liked the Heart-Shaped Box and could see myself sipping it again in the fall and winter months."

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Recipe

This cocktail recipe was adapted from Death & Co: Modern Classic Cocktails by Alex Day and Nick Fauchald.