The Star Cocktail is a classic apple brandy cocktail which made an appearance in print in George J. Kappeler’s 1895 bartending guide, Modern American Drinks. It’s a pleasant, well-rounded drink and a close relative of the Manhattan. Get Laird’s Bonded apple brandy if you can, as the “blended” version of the stuff contains a significant portion of neutral grain spirit.

1 oz apple brandy
1 oz sweet (red) vermouth
3 dashes Peychaud’s bitters
lemon twist for garnish

Stir with ice and strain into a chilled cocktail glass.