Let’s open the history books on this one. Humpty Dumpty is either a children’s poem, a metaphor for a deposed king of England, a cannon broken in a fall from a castle wall, or a 16th century drink of brandy and ale. The choice here is obvious: It is a drink of brandy and ale made for a fallen king to be drunk from a broken cannon.

Humpty Dumpty
1 ounce brandy
1 1/2 ounce ale
1/4 ounce lemon juice
1 dash Angosture bitters

Place 4 ice cubes in a mixing glass and add all the ingredients. Stir evenly for 15 seconds until chilled. Strain into an aperitif glass. Garnish with a lemon peel.

Tasting notes: The ale leads, brightened by lemon, and the brandy softens a warm pleasant aftertaste.

Tomorrow: Elite Eight

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