gin junkie

2 oz gin ½ oz aquavit ½ oz st. germain ½ oz agave syrup dash of orange bitters combine in shaker over ice, strain into cocktail glass.

jockey club

2 oz gin ¾ oz amaretto ¾ oz lemon juice 2 dashes angostura bitters combine in shaker over ice, strain into cocktail glass.

evensong

I removed the vodka from the Vesper (because, really, does any drink need vodka?), and added a hint of citrus. 2 oz gin ½ oz lillet slice of lemon 1-2 dashes orange bitters Pour the gin and lillet over ice, add the orange bitters and slice of lemon.

wonka

The challenge here was to make a 20th Century when I had nearly none of the ingredients. It has a interesting, candy-like flavor without the cloying sweetness of a chocolate bar. ½ creme de cocoa (dark) 2 gin ½ triple sec 1 lemon If what you have on hand is light creme de cocoa, I’d suggest

tuscan screwdriver

A simple, bitter orange drink created from bar boredom and the need to use a three-year-old bottle of Aperol. Tastes like a clear, purified screwdriver. 2 oz Aperol 1¼  oz Gin For a sweeter version, add a splash of triple sec. Shake over ice and serve in a martini glass, or serve in an old

pegu club

A classic cocktail from the namesake Burmese lounge, discovered in a book on bitters, a gift from friends. Subtly citrus. Delicious. 2 oz gin ¾ oz curacao or triple sec ½ oz lime (half  lime) 1 dash Angostura bitters 1 dash orange bitters Combine in shaker over ice, and strain into cocktail glass.

martini

Of course you must have a martini, always gin, never vodka. Most people use vermouth. If so, add just a splash of sweet–not dry–vermouth. Use the best quality gin you can afford, such  Dry Fly. 2 oz gin 1-2 dashes orange bitters Combine in shaker over ice, and strain into cocktail glass. Serve ice cold, with

lavendrop

Created especially for a friend who loves lavender. 2 oz gin ½ oz lavender syrup ½ oz lemon juice lavender sprig Combine in a shaker over ice, and strain into a cocktail glass. Garnish with lavender sprig. Alternate: use lime juice rather than lemon juice.

the gypsy

A drink that’ll cause your parents to fret. 1½ oz gin ¾ oz st. germain ½ oz chartreuse ½ oz lime juice Combine in a shaker over ice, and strain into a cocktail glass.

greyhound

Some people will tell you that greyhounds demand vodka. There’s few vodka drinks that cannot be improved with gin. 2 oz gin 2 oz grapefruit juice splash of triple sec Combine in a shaker over ice, and strain into a cocktail glass. Alternate: vodka