Gin Aloha

The Gin Aloha is a triple sec-heavy version of the Hawaiian Cocktail, which is a gin, triple sec and pineapple juice drink. A full 1 1/2 oz. of triple sec means that much of the alcohol in the drink comes from what is typically a cheap, low proof liqueur on the bottom shelf in bars and stores. But using such a sugary spirit would ruin this drink, not to mention make it taste very bitter from the weak alcohol and artificial flavor.

That is why I recommend a quality triple sec like Cointreau, or in this case, Luxardo Triplum. It's twice as strong as cheap triple sec (80 proof), meaning it is about as strong as your gin. That makes this a 3 1/2 oz. 80-proof drink.

I used unsweetened pineapple juice squeezed from the fruit itself and a cinchona heavy orange bitters that tastes more tropical than a spice bitters for this Hawaiian cocktail.

• 2 oz. gin (Bombay Sapphire used)
• 1 1/2 oz. triple sec (Luxardo Triplum used)
• 1/2 oz. unsweetened pineapple juice
• dash orange bitters (homemade orange bitters used)

Combine all ingredients in a shaker with ice. Shake and strain into a chilled cocktail glass.