Cocktail – The Arizona Gimlet – Gin, Vermouth, Lime, Agave Syrup

Recently we’ve been on a warm streak here in Indianapolis, and that got me craving some refreshing summer cocktails. I wanted to make one of my favorites, the gin gimlet, but was lacking Rose’s Lime Juice, an essential ingredient in that particular classic. Undaunted, I set about creating a replacement cocktail with the same refreshing blend of citrus, the punch of gin, and just a touch of sweetness.

The end result? The Arizona Gimlet, which I’m really quite happy with. It’s got a real citrus kick, but the vermouth helps smooth things out and keeps the gin from being overpowering, and the agave syrup, when used with a light touch, avoids the cloying sweetness that Rose’s lime sometimes delivers. I’ve even come up with two different preparations, depending on what mood you’re in. Give it a try!

The Recipe

2 oz gin
1 oz dry vermouth
1 oz fresh lime juice
1/3rd oz Agave Nectar (raw, amber, light … whatever kind you want)

Preparation 1: Combine ingredients with ice in a shaker, shake like crazy, strain into a chilled cocktail glass, and serve with a twist of lime. Delicious and potent!

Preparation 2: Combine ingredients with ice in a shaker, shake like crazy, strain into a rocks glass over ice, top with club soda and stir. Serve with a lime wedge. Refreshing!