A drink inspired by my recent trip to Armenia. Built around Armenian brandy and Royal Elixir. The latter is essentially a very bitter liqueur made from a few dozen herbs gathered in the mountains of Armenia. It was developed in Matenadaran, an impressive scriptorium in Yerevan, and is inspired by one medieval recipe book exhibited there. I bought it in Matenadaran itself, but it can also be ordered online.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz Armenian brandy (I used Ararat Nairi 20 Yr)
• 1 tsp Vordan Products Royal Elixir
• 1/4 oz grenadine
• garnish: lemon twist

Steps:

1. stir with ice.
2. strain into a chilled glass over ice.
3. garnish.

This is essentially an Armenian brandy old fashioned, although it's slightly spicier and sweeter than most old fashioneds. The brandy is certainly at the forefront. The elixir does add a perceptible cough syrup-like spiciness (reminiscent of Fernet, which I'm a fan of). Grenadine does a great job of dulling the sharp edges of the elixir and balancing the whole drink.