Radiant Spark

A bright, gin-forward cocktail that captures the energizing essence of Aries through the strategic combination of citrus, ginger, and aromatic bitters. The layered citrus approach creates remarkable complexity, while the ginger provides a warming counterpoint that grounds the drink. This perfectly balanced cocktail embodies Aries' natural vitality and spark while maintaining sophisticated elegance.

Ingredients

  • 2 oz gin (preferably with citrus-forward botanical profile)

  • 1 oz fresh pink grapefruit juice

  • ½ oz lemon juice

  • ¼ oz ginger syrup*

  • 2 dashes grapefruit bitters

  • Grapefruit twist and candied ginger for garnish

*Ginger Syrup:

  • 1 cup sugar

  • 1 cup water

  • ¼ cup fresh ginger, peeled and roughly chopped

Instructions

  1. Prepare ginger syrup: Combine sugar, water, and chopped ginger in a saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring to dissolve sugar. Reduce heat and simmer gently for 10 minutes. Remove from heat, cover, and steep for 30 minutes. Strain through a fine-mesh strainer, cool completely, and bottle.

  2. Chill a coupe glass.

  3. In a shaker, combine gin, grapefruit juice, lemon juice, ginger syrup, and grapefruit bitters.

  4. Add ice and shake vigorously until well-chilled, about 15 seconds.

  5. Strain into the chilled coupe glass.

  6. Express the oils from a grapefruit twist over the surface of the drink, run the peel around the rim of the glass, and place it in the cocktail.

  7. Garnish with a small piece of candied ginger, either placed on the rim or skewered.

Notes

  • The ginger syrup will keep refrigerated for up to 2 weeks

  • Using a gin with citrus-forward botanicals (like Tanqueray No. Ten or Malfy Con Limone) enhances the citrus profile

  • The grapefruit bitters add depth and complexity that ties together the citrus and ginger elements

  • For a more pronounced ginger flavor, muddle a small piece of fresh ginger in the shaker before adding other ingredients

  • Best served in a coupe glass without ice

Pairs well with: Seafood appetizers, sushi, or as an early evening refresher