Essential Liquor #30

#30) Cognac - The Royalty of classic brown liquors includes champagne, scotch, and cognac, each of which can be incredibly expensive in their own right. Joe should not despair, however, decent cognac for mixing can be had in the $30 range at certain times of the year, like Hennessy at a liquor warehouse. Otherwise, good cognac is like good scotch; a premium bottle might cost $50, but will last a long time even among Wisconsinites. My favorite mid-range is Martell VSOP Médaillon.

Our last drink in the 30 Essentials series is the Summit, a bright spicy little number that is cheerful enough to bring in the New Year as well as anything I can think of. It takes a bit of preparation, but it's worth it.

Summit
1 peel of lime
4 thin slices of fresh ginger or a dash of powdered ginger
1 1/2 ounces of Martell VSOP
2 ounces of freshly-squeezed lemonade

In a tulip glass or snifter, muddle a lime peel and ginger slices (or powder) with a splash of Martell. Add four ice cubes, then the Martell and lemonade. Stir. Garnish with lime twists and/or cucumber peel.