This Prohibition-era cocktail is not very ladylike on the surface. On paper, it looks like a Sidecar made with gin, but nothing could be farther from the truth. We tasted this cocktail at the Savoy in London where it was invented, according to Harry Craddock, author of The Savoy Cocktail Book, which was published in 1930. Three high-quality ingredients and a master technique make this cocktail a high point of everyone’s evening. We suggest you pack your freezer full of large ice cubes, squeeze a lot of fresh lemon juice, and get going. Play some slapstick movies while you drink it—it is said that this cocktail was the favorite of Laurel and Hardy.

　　

Ingredients

makes 1 drink

　　1 3/4 ounces Plymouth gin

　　1 1/4 ounces Cointreau

　　1 ounce freshly squeezed lemon juice

　　1 orange twist, for garnish

　　

Step 1

Pour the gin, Cointreau, and juice into a mixing glass. Add large cold ice cubes and shake vigorously. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass and garnish with the orange twist.

　　

tasting notes

Step 2

Dominant Flavors: lemon and juniper

　　

Step 3

Body: light

　　

Step 4

Dryness: crisp and acidic with balanced sweetness

　　

Step 5

Complexity: simple

　　

Step 6

Accentuating or Contrasting Flavors: orange oils

　　

Step 7

Finish: short, sharp citrus overtones

　　

Step 8

Glass: cocktail

　　Reprinted with permission from Speakeasy: The Employees Only Guide to Classic Cocktails Reimagined by Jason Kosmas and Dushan Zaric, © 2010 Ten Speed Press. Buy the full book from Amazon or Bookshop.