The Grey Recipe

Cocktail

1. 1

   Chill glass

   Place a coupe or chilled cocktail glass in the freezer or fill it with ice water while you prepare the cocktail to ensure the drink stays cold.

2. 2

   Combine ingredients

   In a mixing glass or cocktail shaker, add 2 oz gin, 0.5 oz dry vermouth, 0.5 oz Cynar, 0.5 oz fresh lemon juice, 0.25 oz simple syrup, and 2 dashes of Angostura bitters.

3. 3

   Add ice and stir

   Fill the mixing glass with plenty of ice (enough to nearly fill it). Stir briskly for 20–30 seconds (about 15–20 full stirs) until the mixture is well chilled and slightly diluted — the glass should feel very cold to the touch.

4. 4

   Prepare glass

   If you used ice water to chill the glass, dump the water now. Strain the chilled cocktail from the mixing glass into the chilled coupe or cocktail glass using a Hawthorne or fine strainer to remove any small ice shards.

5. 5

   Garnish

   Express the oils of a fresh lemon twist over the surface of the cocktail by holding the twist about 3–4 inches above the drink and giving it a quick snap so the oils spray onto the surface. Rub the peel around the rim if desired, then drop the twist into the drink or rest it on the rim.

6. 6

   Serve

   Serve immediately. The Grey is best enjoyed very cold and sipped slowly to appreciate the interplay of herbal Cynar, bright citrus, and the backbone of gin.