this potent concoction was to be our newest addition to comida’s cocktail menu. but fate, as the old devil would have it, would choose to delay its introduction. unfortunately, comida experienced a fire last night, and like the phoenix rises from ashes, so will comida have to rebuild itself. if you have read my blog dedication you’ll know that i’m no stranger to fire and the baffling devastation it leaves in its wake. what could have caused this? why did this happen? what good will come out of this? what we do know for sure is that no one was hurt, and it was not a kitchen fire. how it started no one knows.

the legendary wise owl is ruled by the sign of scorpio, and that is why i make reference to the phoenix. scorpio is symbolized by so many powerful animals—the owl, the phoenix, the eagle, the snake, and of course the scorpion. and if any sign has the strength, determination, will and wits to win against the odds, it is scorpio. and if anyone has the capability to comprehend the grand scope of tragedy when it strikes, it is scorpio. so here, here, let’s raise our glasses to comida rising with this cocktail of scorpio…

PHOENIX RISING:
2 oz mezcal
3/4 oz maraschino cherry liqueur
1/8 oz absinthe
10 drops agnostura bitters
brandied cherry
***shake all over ice, strain into ice packed glass with a splash of cherry juice and and garnish with a brandied cherry

found a great recipe for brandied cherries in the new york times. thanks to marlene from sloshed, i made these before cherries were in season and used frozen ones which worked out just fine.

1 cup sugar
2 whole cloves
1 2-inch piece cinnamon stick
4 cardamom pods
1 quart sweet cherries, stemmed and pitted
1/2 cup Cognac or other aged brandy.

1. In a small saucepan, combine sugar and spices with a cup of water. Bring to a simmer, stirring until sugar dissolves. Let simmer for 5 minutes.

2. Turn off heat and add cherries and brandy to pot. Let cool, then store mixture in a jar in refrigerator for at least 2 days before eating, and up to several months.