—a regal frame with nothing at its center; citrus and cognac circling an absence.
Gold rimmed the glass, a royal ring,
its arc prepared for crowning things.
The seat was poured with citrus light,
and cognac’s heat to grant it right.
A sugared edge like herald’s call,
triple sec to grace the hall,
yet at the core, no sovereign came,
just echoes in the courtly frame.
You sipped. The court still held its air,
the banners hung, the trumpets there.
But taste by taste, it all unspooled,
a kingdom kept, but never ruled.
Some crowns are worn to hide the truth,
their hollow keeps the head in youth.
📜 Hollow Crown Sidecar – The Recipe
- 1½ oz Cognac
- 1 oz Cointreau (or other high-quality triple sec)
- ¾ oz Fresh Lemon Juice
- Garnish: Light sugar rim, optional
Instructions:
Chill a coupe glass. If using, run a lemon wedge along the rim and dip in fine sugar for a thin crown. Shake cognac, Cointreau, and lemon juice with ice until well-chilled. Strain into the prepared coupe. Serve as if an empty throne awaited.