A very interesting drink. The cassis and bourbon combination blends into a fruity taste but with a finish more like hazelnut. Play with the lemon juice and cassis proportions—if you like cassis, you can boost that a bit and reduce the sugar syrup.

I used Damson plum jam bought from a local orchard. I agree that it was a bit more bitter than I like, but think it was more about balancing the lemon juice and simple syrup. The jam with apple brandy is fantastic.

Also, the Damson plum jam may not dissolve evenly, so I recommend stirring it in with the apple brandy or calvados and then shaking, and then using a fine strainer to catch the undiluted jam (unless you like your cocktail with globules of jam).

I added a Luxardo cherry and feel like 5ml of Luxardo cherry syrup (in addition to the maraschino liqueur) in place of the sugar syrup would add body and an interesting hue to the drink. Overall, a nicely balanced drink. As also said in Casablanca, “I think this could be the beginning of a beautiful friendship.”

It also seems safe to assume that one should muddle the limes at the end of step 3, then add the blackberries and muddle again…?

I added a splash of Cointreau before I saw the comment about using orange bitters. Cointreau did add something interesting though.

I used Damson plum jam bought from a local orchard. I agree that it was a bit more bitter than I like, but think it was more about balancing the lemon juice and simple syrup. The jam with apple brandy is fantastic.

Don’t you mean The Fresh.Prince?

You are absolutely correct. I’ve forfeited my card declaring me an American TV pop culture maven!

OK, any idea why this cocktail is named for a character from The Cosby Show?

How are you drinking it?

I picked up a bottle by accident, and on other’s advice, stored it in the freezer. At that temperature it’s quite drinkable either neat or on the rocks. It was a great amaro to use in the Italian Chocolate Martini recipe on this site.

Sadly, this brewery closed permanently in 2023.