Active Time

　　20 minutes

　　Total Time

　　55 minutes

　　Simple syrup is an easy way to add unexpected flavors—like, well, vegetables—to your drinks. This Arugula Simple Syrup makes about ⅔ cup, which is enough for about 10 servings of this riff on the classic vesper cocktail.

　　

Ingredients

Makes 1 cocktail

　　

For the Arugula Simple Syrup:

1/2 cup sugar

　　3 cups arugula

　　

For the cocktail:

1 1/2 ounces gin

　　1/2 ounce vodka

　　3/4 ounce fresh lemon juice

　　Pinch of salt

　　

Make the Arugula Simple Syrup:

Step 1

Bring sugar and 1/2 cup water to a boil in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to medium-low, bring mixture to a simmer, and cook, stirring constantly, until sugar dissolves. Let cool slightly, pour into a heatproof vessel, and chill at least 35 minutes.

　　

Step 2

Purée simple syrup and arugula in a blender until liquefied. Using a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth-lined colander, strain mixture into an airtight container and chill.

　　

Make the cocktail:

Step 3

Combine gin, vodka, lemon juice, salt, and 1/2 oz. arugula simple syrup in a cocktail shaker. Fill with ice and stir until outside of shaker is frosty, about 30 seconds. Strain into a chilled Nick and Nora or coupe glass.

　　Cooks' Note

　　The arugula simple syrup can be made up to 5 days in advance and refrigerated.