Smooth Operator Recipe
Gin, Plum Wine, Aperol, balsamic, orange zest
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Ingredients
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Cocktail
Balsamic reduction (if making)
Method
Balsamic reduction (optional, make ahead)
- 1
Reduce balsamic
Pour 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar and 1 tablespoon sugar into a small saucepan. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat and stir until sugar dissolves. Reduce heat to maintain a low simmer and cook until mixture thickens to a syrupy consistency and coats the back of a spoon, about 10–12 minutes. Remove from heat and cool completely. Store refrigerated up to 2 weeks. Use 1/4 teaspoon per cocktail (or substitute 1/4 tsp good aged balsamic).
Build & Serve
- 2
- 3
Prepare ice and citrus
Add 3 large ice cubes to a mixing glass or shaker. Cut a wide strip of orange peel (about 1/2" x 2") for expression and prepare an orange wheel or slice of plum for garnish.
- 4
Combine spirits and modifiers
Into the mixing glass add 2 oz gin, 1 oz plum wine, 1/2 oz Aperol, 1/2 oz fresh lemon juice, and 1/4 oz simple syrup. Add 1/4 tsp balsamic reduction (or a quick drizzle of aged balsamic) — start with less and adjust to taste if you prefer less acidity/sweetness.
- 5
Stir & chill
Stir the mixture vigorously with the ice for about 20–30 seconds (or 10–12 revolutions if measuring) until well chilled and slightly diluted. If you prefer a slightly frothy, shaken texture, you may shake briefly with ice for 8–10 seconds, but stirring preserves clarity and texture.
- 6
Strain & finish
Discard ice/water from the chilled serving glass. Double-strain or fine-strain the cocktail into the chilled coupe or Nick & Nora to remove any tiny ice shards and to keep the drink silky.
- 7
Express orange oils
Hold the orange peel over the cocktail skin-side down and give it a firm twist to release the essential oils across the drink. Optionally rub the peel on the glass rim and drop it into the drink or balance it as a garnish along with the orange wheel or plum slice.
- 8
Adjust & serve
Taste and if desired add a tiny additional drip of balsamic reduction (no more than another 1/8 tsp) to deepen savory-sweet notes, or a touch more simple syrup if you prefer sweeter. Serve immediately.