Mondays often call for clarity and focus. Meet My Gin (with apologies to Lanvin). The clear fresh taste of ripe strawberries is heightened by the citrus and balanced by the gin. It redeems Monday, and inspires us to talk about gin, which is enjoying new popularity. There are some interesting gins being distilled in these United States. California, Oregon, Colorado, and lately Texas, among others, are producing fine examples of the juniper infused tipple. Recently we tried Waterloo Gin, from Treaty Oaks Distilling Co., Austin, TX. They wrap hints of rosemary, grapefruit and lavender around the central juniper flavor.

My Gin
1 1/2 ounces dry gin
1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
2 ripe strawberries

Slice the first strawberry half way to the stem. Slip the ripe flesh over the rim of a stemmed cocktail glass and gently run once around the rim. Place the garnished glass in the freezer while making the drink. Finely chop the remaining strawberry and drop it into a cocktail shaker with the gin and lemon juice. Add ice and shake vigorously for at least 20 seconds. The longer shaking crushes the strawberry, releasing its flavor and color into the drink. Take the garnished glass out of cold storage and strain the drink from the shaker into the glass.

Tomorrow: Pick up some rye whiskey for a political cocktail.

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HOW TO MAKE A SIMPLE SYRUP CLICK HERE