Memento Mori From Lady Jane

Recipe: Stuart Weaver and Colin Whelehan , Lady Jane , Denver

Photo: Luke Gottlieb / Victor of Valencia

February 09, 2022

A fruity and warming cognac-bourbon sour.

Lady Jane in Denver recommends “living life to the fullest” with its Memento Mori cocktail. Cognac and bourbon sing with layers of dark fruit and chocolate while a spiced fig and balsamic syrup and a touch of amontillado sherry richen the mix.

Ingredients

1 oz. VSOP Cognac
1/2 oz. bourbon
1 oz. spiced fig and balsamic syrup
3/4 oz. fresh lemon juice
3/4 oz. amontillado sherry
1 fresh egg white (pasteurized if you like)
2 dashes Chocolate Bitters

Tools:shaker, strainer, fine strainer
Glass:coupe
Garnish:cocoa-cinnamon powder

Preparation

Combine all of the ingredients in a shaker and dry shake. Add ice and shake. Fine strain into a chilled coupe.

Spiced Fig and Balsamic Syrup (yields approx. 1 quart): Wash and quarter 1/2 lb. of dried Black Mission figs. Combine the figs, spices (1 cinnamon stick, 1/2 tsp. whole cloves, and 1/2 tsp. whole black peppercorns), and 2 cups water, and let the mixture soak for 45 minutes. Add 2 cups of sugar, bring to a light simmer, reduce the heat, and stir until all the sugar is dissolved. Let cool to room temperature then strain out the figs and spices. Once the syrup is strained, add 2 1/2 oz. of balsamic vinegar. Refrigerate for up to 3 weeks.

Cocoa-Cinnamon Powder: Equal parts cocoa powder and cinnamon powder.