Alaska

I've been waiting for the right conditions to make this cocktail. It couldn't be too hot outside; I had to be in a gin mood; and sometimes a new ingredient pushes me over the edge. For the latter part, it was Hella Bitters orange bitters. These are more spicy than my homemade orange bitters. They taste a lot more like clove and cinnamon--real holiday spice rack stuff. I still like them for this cocktail, but I'll use my bitters for more citrusy drinks.

Green Chartreuse really makes the Alaska what it is, and orange bitters ensures that the flavors come together. But the base of the drink is gin. My pick of Blue Coat Barrel Reserve gin seemed fitting. It is 47 percent alcohol, and Green Chartreuse is 55 percent. The effect of this drink is pretty staggering.

• 2 oz. gin (Bluecoat Barrel Reserve used)
• 1/2 oz. green Chartreuse
• 3 dashes of orange bitters (Hella Bitters used)
• lemon twist

Combine all ingredients except twist in a mixing glass with ice and stir. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with the twist.