Feeling the need to take your Falernum back to basics? Go old school and try your hand at the recipe that first appeared in the The Philadelphia Inquirer in 1896 (later syndicated in the Kansas City Star under the title “A West Indian Appetizer’).Interestingly it follows the classic West Indian punch formula of 'one of sour, two of sweet, three of strong and four of weak’, and is recommended to be drunk an hour before dinner.
1handfulBitter Almonds - or 1/2 tsp Almond Extract
Method
To make the sugar syrup, combine 1 part sugar (preferably super-fine) with one part cold (or slightly tepid) water in a large jar. Seal the lid and shake until the sugar is completely dissolved.
Combine all the ingredients (in the correct ratios) in an airtight container, place in the fridge and allow the mixture to stand for a week.
Strain the infusion, bottle and then serve over crushed ice, along with a teaspoon of wormwood bitters (if unavailable, any good quality bitters will do).