the 44 cordial

the 44 cordial ~
rigidily ritualized: an orange pierced 44 times, stuffed with 44 coffee beans, white rum sweetened with 44 tsp of sugar. steep for 44 days in a cool, dark spot, swirling occassionally. on the 44th day, remove the orange and strain the liqueur through cheese cloth and transfer to a clean container, freeze until ready to serve. serve neat.

buy a wide mouth jar that is holds 1 quart. pierce a large navel orange (make sure it fits in your jar) 44 times with a paring knife 1" deep per slit. then stuff each slit with a coffee bean (i used french roast). place your orange and 44 tsp sugar (1 scant cup) in the jar. top it off with white rum (a 750ml bottle of bacardi will do and leave you extra for your bar). and let it steep for 44 days in a cool dark spot.