GREEN GIN COCKTAIL

The extracted juice from bitter melons takes the place of common bittering agents, such as Campari, in this floral, lime-punched cocktail.

MAKES ONE COCKTAIL   10 MINUTES

Ingredients

• 1 medium bitter melon (about 4 oz.)
• 1 oz. simple syrup
• 3⁄4 oz. fresh lime juice
• 3⁄4 oz. gin
• 2 oz. soda water
• Lime wheel, to garnish

Instructions

1. Using a box grater, finely grate the dark green skin of bitter melon into a large bowl lined with cheesecloth. Gather the edges of the cheesecloth together and twist to squeeze the juice from the bitter melon pulp. Pour 1 tablespoon of the bitter melon juice into a cocktail shaker and save the rest for more cocktails.
2. Add simple syrup, lime juice, and gin to the shaker, fill with ice cubes, and cover. Shake until well-chilled, about 15 seconds, and pour into a tall glass filled with ice. Top the cocktail with soda water and stir gently to combine. Garnish with a lime wheel just before serving.