Applejack Cobbler

2 oz. applejack
1/4 oz. simple syrup
2 dashes peach bitters
2 strawberries
4 blackberries

Muddle the the berries, syrup, and bitters in a mixing glass, then add the applejack. Shake with ice and strain into a footed or highball glass filled with crushed ice. Garnish with blackberries and quartered strawberries. Serve with a spoon and a straw, or a spoon-straw.

The cobbler was the most popular drink of it's time, the king of which was the Sherry Cobbler (sherry, sugar, ice, orange slices, muddled and garnished with berries). This drink was first mentioned in print in 1809, but most early references come from the 1840's when it really became popular. A few decades later it had moved past just wines to include spirits as a base, and was still going strong. In the 1888 edition of Harry Johnson's Bartender's Manual, he noted that the Sherry Cobbler is "without a doubt the most popular beverage in the country, with ladies as well as with gentlemen. It is a very refreshing drink for old and young." Along with the Julep, this drink helped popularize the use of ice in your drink (and was possibly the first to be shaken with ice), and the straw was almost unheard of. Still a great summer drink with endless variations.