The Julianne

Here's how it works, guys. Your wife has gotten creative, combining a few standard cocktail ingredients in a new way ... and she asks you what would be a good name for her creation.

Name it after her.

It's hard to go wrong after that.

And now you know how our Sunday afternoon worked out. Just fine, thank you.

I present my creation, which is not that original but is surely delicious.

The Julianne

2 ounces brandy
1 ounce lemon juice
1/2 ounce Cointreau (or other orange liqueur)
1/4 ounce Orgeat Syrup (use simple syrup if you don't have any)

Combine all in a cocktail shaker, add ice, and shake. Pour into a cocktail glass.

Cafe Maria Theresia

This was in Saveur's January/February edition. When the girls were home for Christmas and we were having regular afternoon coffee ... one day I tried this. It truly deserves the praise they gave it.

I must admit that I didn't go to the trouble of whipping cream, especially since I already felt that the drink was rather lavish for an afternoon cuppa joe (though I did show you how it should look, although my Thinkstock photo has no zest). Half-and-half smoothed it out nicely anyway, believe me.

Cafe Maria Theresia
3 tbsp. orange liqueur (I used Cointreau)
1 tbsp. sugar
8 oz. brewed coffee
Whipped cream, for serving
Grated orange zest, for garnish

Fill a coffee cup with boiling water. Set aside for 3 minutes; pour out water. Pour liqueur and sugar into cup; stir to dissolve sugar. Stir in the coffee. Top with whipped cream, and garnish with zest.