The Long Hello
This elegant sipper is the creation of Damon Boelte, who is the head bartender and co-owner of Grand Army bar and restaurant in Brooklyn. Not only is Damon a great bartender, but he has a particular knack for naming cocktails. This one is based on an experimental music album (Damon is also a musician), although I like to think it got its name because it’s so good…you don’t want to say goodbye to it!
I was tipped off to this luscious cocktail by spirits writer Brad Parsons, who included it in his book, Bitters. The lush apple-flavored Calvados pairs remarkably well with the fragrant elderflower liqueur, topped off with a pour of sparkling wine, which makes things more festive.
The Long Hello
- 3/4 ounce Calvados, or another apple-flavored brandy (see headnote)
- 3/4 ounce elderflower liqueur
- 1 dash bitters, such as apple or aromatic
- Champagne or dry crémant, or another dry sparkling wine
- dash freshly grate nutmeg
- Pour the Calvados, elderflower liqueur, and bitters into a cocktail mixing glass. Fill partially with ice and stir until well-chilled, about 15 seconds.
- Strain into a chilled coupe of Champagne glass, add sparkling wine or Champagne, and top with a very small dusting of freshly grated nutmeg.