Portland, Oregon, is one of my favorite places to visit—mainly to visit our dearest friends, but also for the fantastic foods and possibly the best farmers’ market in the country. This drink was inspired by a magical afternoon there, spent distillery hopping on a bicycle. The bell pepper is a surprising ingredient; it adds a slight sweetness to this unique, very quaffable beverage.

　　

Ingredients

serves 1

　　1 strip red bell pepper (about 1/2 inch wide by 3 to 4 inches long)

　　2 large mint leaves

　　2 ounces (1/4 cup) gin

　　2 ounces (1/4 cup) lime juice

　　1 ounce (2 tablespoons) strong simple syrup (see Tip)

　　

Step 1

Fill a cocktail shaker halfway with ice and add the pepper and mint. Use a muddler to crush and bruise the fresh ingredients thoroughly; the goal is to break some of the pepper into a coarse paste and release the aromatics from the mint. Add the gin, lime juice, and simple syrup, cover the shaker, and shake vigorously for 30 seconds.

　　

Step 2

Strain into a chilled martini glass and enjoy right away. I guarantee you won’t stop at just one!

　　

Tip

Step 3

To make strong simple syrup, bring 1 cup water to a boil in a small saucepan. Add 1 1/2 cups sugar and stir until dissolved. Let cool, then store in the refrigerator.

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