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
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.
Chill a coupe glass.
In a shaker, combine gin, grapefruit juice, lemon juice, ginger syrup, and grapefruit bitters.
Add ice and shake vigorously until well-chilled, about 15 seconds.
Strain into the chilled coupe glass.
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.
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