While we’re on the subject of summertime drinks (in my case, probably until mid-November) here’s a little number that pairs equally well with both barbecue grill and black tie: the Twenty-One.

I adapted this from a recipe at my local pirate-themed oyster and artisan cocktail bar, The Cove. And by adapted, I mean stole. Yes, even I know better than to jack around with perfection. If only I’d practiced the same restraint with my last effort, the disastrous Frozen Scotcharita with Percocet.

I’m not sure what genius cooked it up, but properly made, the Twenty-One does a masterful job of balancing the refreshing snap of a gin & tonic with the sweet, heady, fruit-and-vegetal depth of a traditional English Pimm’s Cup. Tally-ho and pass the tater salad.

Twenty-One
- 2 oz gin
- ¾ oz Pimm’s No. 1
- 1 oz fresh-squeezed lemon juice
- ¾ oz simple syrup
- cucumber slice

Combine first four ingredients (as always, adjust the syrup:lemon ratio to taste) in a cocktail shaker. Add a big scoop of ice, give it a dozen good shakes, and strain into a chilled rocks glass. Slide in the cucumber.

Optional: Grow muttonchops and refer to everything as “Striking!” Play croquet and care about Wimbledon.

A Note About Gin
Any quality gin’ll do, but Hendrick’s is especially rad here, as it’s made with cucumber and backs the aromatic fresh cuke beautifully. If you’re worried about the price tag, I dig. That’s why I stock a honking-ass bottle of Bombay at all times. Flavor-wise, after a few of these, you could switch to Ronsonol¹ and not notice.

Other Notes About Gin
The great thing about gins is they’re all different, so you can choose a favorite to suit your taste. For about half the price of Bombay, American gin New Amsterdam (Modesto, CA) has gotten all kinds of play in the shops I frequent. I found it kinda alcoholly, but in a drink like the Twenty-One, it won’t disappoint.

Think of gin as the Yo La Tengo of base liquors. If you don’t like the album you’re listening to, don’t write off the band. There’s still a good chance something will click with you eventually. Just avoid the Gilbey’s and anything in a plastic jug. I speak from harrowing experience.

More on that another time. Go enjoy your drink, Guv’nah Boozehamptonshire.

Posted at 10:53am and tagged with: localbars, JT, recipe,.