Gin Gimlet

Steps

1. 1

   Measure 60ml of gin, 30ml of fresh lime juice, and 20ml of simple syrup into your shaker. Pour each one in separately so you get the amounts right.

   !Pouring directly from the bottle without measuring easily throws off the sour-sweet balance.

2. 2

   Fill the shaker about three-quarters full with ice. Use solid cubes if you have them, since broken ice will water the drink down too fast.

   !Underfilling the shaker with ice makes the drink warm and watery instead of sharp and cold.

3. 3

   Seal the shaker tight and shake hard for about 10 to 12 seconds. You will feel the metal get frosty and cold on the outside, which tells you the drink is fully chilled and the citrus is mixed in.

   ~12s

   !Shaking too gently or too briefly leaves the drink cloudy and not cold enough.

4. 4

   Pop the top off the shaker and fit your Hawthorne strainer over the opening. Pour the drink through the strainer into your chilled coupe glass, letting it flow smoothly until the shaker is empty.

   !Pouring too fast can splash the drink over the rim of the glass.

5. 5

   Take your lime wheel and cut a small slit from the center to the edge so it sits on the rim. Drop it onto the side of the glass and serve it right away while it is still frosty.

   !Leaving the drink sitting on the bar too long before serving lets it lose its sharp chill.