English Ruff

A phrase/brand used in the US for an apple-flavored brandy distilled from cider, usually aged in oak. We treat this the same as apple brandy.

Produced at the traditional sugarcane farms and distilleries of Jamaica, these molasses-based rums are beloved for their funky notes of tropical fruit. These can be bottled as a blend of pot and column-still rums (e.g., Appleton Signature) or as 100% pot still (e.g., Smith & Cross). Many recipes specifically call for Smith & Cross, which is elevated in both ABV and funky flavors. These rums are usually aged between 5 and 12 years, often in the tropical climate of Jamaica.

'Point and a half' this Italian bittersweet vermouth (chinato vermouth) dates to around 1867 and is simultaneously amongst the bitterest and sweetest of vermouths. It can be used as a substitute for rosso (Italian red) vermouths in most cases, but can also be thought of as an intersting sub for dry vermouth.

A syrup made from dissolving granulated sugar (sucrose) in water. Regular simple is made by combining 1:1 sugar:water by mass, rich simple is 2:1 sugar:water by mass although only 1.5 times as sweet as regular. We always use 1:1 syrup unless otherwise noted in the recipe itself.

A sweetened liqueur made with or flavored with apple and apple juice. Not to be confused with a brandy distilled from apples.