In Gangs of New York-era Gotham, if there was one drink the sporty gents in the top hats were partial to, it was a Gin Cock-Tail. It’s not hard to see why: with Dutch-style genever gin, which was enormously popular in the day, the drink is rich, spicy, sweet, and mellow—and thoroughly delicious. The botanicals in the genever tend to hide behind the bitters, letting its wonderfully malty body shine forth. This “improved” version dates to 1876.
2 ounces Bols genever gin
1 teaspoon rich simple syrup
1 teaspoon maraschino liqueur or Grand Marnier
2 dashes Peychaud’s bitters
To finish: lemon peel
Sprig of mint (optional)
Combine in an Old Fashioned glass, stir, and add ice; stir again, twist lemon peel over the top, and add a sprig of mint if you’ve got it.
