Love at First Sip

Years ago, as they were wining and dining their way through the South of France, chef Kevin Long and his wife stumbled upon some aged Armagnac and fell immediately in love (with the Armagnac – they were already in love with one another). These days, with eight venues under his supervision – from local favorites like Red Lantern, GEM and Empire to further flung destinations like Shrine at the MGM Grand in Foxwoods – Long can’t always find the time to take a vacation. But he can still evoke those fond romantical memories with a nice glass of Armagnac.

This year, put a bow on a bottle for a fine liquor enthusiast you know. They can enjoy it on its own (though Long tells us it pairs beautifully with food) or mix it into a sidecar for a festive holiday cocktail (we’ve included the recipe below for your seasonal drinking pleasure). It’ll taste just as good on the couch as it does in the South of France, and maybe you and your giftee can start creating your own romantical memories.

The Sidecar
3/4 ounce triple sec
3/4 ounce lemon juice
1 1/2 ounces Armagnac
1 lemon wedge