Gilded Velvet

A polished, spirit-forward cocktail for a black-tie evening: Hennessy VS brings ripe fruit and oak, while dry vermouth and a restrained touch of black tea add elegance and a gently tannic finish. Ingredients 45 ml Hennessy VS 20 ml dry vermouth 10 ml black tea syrup 2 dashes Angostura bitters 1 dash orange bitters Stir all ingredients with ice until thoroughly chilled. Strain into a chilled coupe and garnish with a thin orange twist. Glass: Chilled coupe Black tea syrup: Steep 1 black tea bag in 120 ml hot water for 4 minutes. Remove the tea bag, stir in 120 g sugar until dissolved, and cool. Makes about 150 ml; preparation time: 10 minutes plus cooling.