Improved Gin Cocktail

June 8, 2013 (Day 29) – Improved Gin Cocktail

We’re going back to the old, old, incredibly old school beats of where the term “cocktail” actually originated. You see, a cocktail, in the classic definition, isn’t anything close to the umbrella term we use today, dedicated to every single mixed drink that included alcohol. No, a cocktail was simply a few ingredients – a spirit, gum syrup, bitters, and curaçao.

So, naturally, mixologist being what they are even in the 19th century, they felt that more layers could be added to create something they felt was superior. out of that came the Improved Gin Cocktail.

• 2 dashes Angostura bitters
• 2 dashes gum syrup
• 2 dashes maraschino liqueur
• 1 dash absinthe
• 2 oz gin (use a sweeter gin, like New Amsterdam)
• Twist of lemon over the top

Combine all the ingredients except the lemon in a cocktail shaker filled with shaved ice. Shake well and then strain into a cocktail glass. Rub the twist of lemon around the edge of the glass, twist over the top of the cocktail, and then drop in.

Improved Gin Cocktail

The layers upon layers of flavor create something that is truly greater than the sum of its parts. It has a creamy, earthy flavor that isn’t too offensively sweet, but not to bitter either.