Gin And It

If you are going to make a Gin And It, you need to make sure that the gin is good quality and your "It" is a flavorful vermouth. With only two ingredients, this almost isn't a mixed drink. There's potential for a bland and uninspired sipper if you use pedestrian spirits.

I chose the richly flavored Bluecoat Barrel Reserve gin for its oak character and botanical spice. A gin that is good enough on its own, like Bluecoat, is a very smart move for the Gin And It. Then there's Antica Formula Vermouth, which is like a sweet vermouth with bitters included.

Despite its simplicity, this cocktail was outstanding,  I can imagine this cocktail as a flagship barreled and top shelf offering in a classy bar. I'd pay $20 bucks for it, easily. Good ingredients made it one of the best I've tried.

• 3 oz. gin
• 1 oz. sweet vermouth

Combine all ingredients in a mixing glass with ice. Stir and strain into a cocktail glass.