Nelson's Blood

Halloween is right around the corner, and today we offer you a frightful cocktail whose origins share a story where the truth is stranger than fiction. Admiral Horatio Lord Nelson was killed at the battle of Trafalgar on October 21, 1805. His body was put in a cask of brandy (though some claim rum) to be preserved for the journey home to England. Legend has it that the sailors on that voyage drilled a small hole in the cask and drank from the spirit in which he was preserved. Whether it was brandy or rum the sailor’s legend of drinking “Nelson’s Blood” has endured over two centuries and is the inspiration of today’s clever cocktail. Nelson’s Blood has only two simple ingredients. It is a strong drink much in the fashion of a Manhattan that is just…well…bloody delicious! This Halloween while passing out the candy why not share this story and offer the adults a bit of Nelson’s Blood!  

Nelson’s Blood

In a shaker glass filled with ice add:

• 1 ½ Ounces of Cognac (V.S. will do just fine)
• 1 ½ Ounces Ruby Port

Gently stir to chill the ingredients. Strain into a stemmed cocktail saucer. No garnish or further embellishment needed.