Tomorrow marks legendary author Dorothy Parker’s 122nd birthday, and were she alive to celebrate it, there is no doubt that a gin cocktail would have been in her hand. Parker, a writer, poet, activist and critic was also one of the world’s wittiest drinkers and the world of cocktails is better off because she was a part of it. As a tribute to her, nine of New York City’s greatest female mixologists have come together to create ten gin cocktails that Dorothy would have loved, and they’ve shared the recipes with us. Though if you’re not in the mood to make them on your own, and you happen to be in New York this weekend, you can also sample them at The Center Bar where all the cocktails will be on offer.
For all of the recipes below the mixologists used Dorothy Parker Gin, created by New York Distilling Company. Since the gin is not available nationwide, you should use whatever gin you prefer.
By Any Other Name:
Created By Molly Cohen, Director of Beverage of SixtyFive and Rainbow Room
Ingredients:
- 1.5oz gin
- .5 oz Aveze Gentiane liqueur
- .5 oz Combier Rose liqueur
- 1oz Carpano Bianco vermouth
Combine all ingredients in a mixer with ice and stir. Strain into a Champagne Coupe.
Pom Collins:
Created by Meaghan Dorman, Bar Director of Raines Law Room, Raines Law Room at the William, and Dear Irving
Ingredients:
- .75 oz lemon juice
- .5 oz pom simple syrup
- .5 oz St. Germain Elderflower
- 1.5 oz gin
Shake and strain into a Collins glass. Top with Club Soda. Garnish with lemon wheel. To make the Pom Simple Syrup combine equal parts pom juice and simple syrup.
French 75 (The Vine):
Created by Yana Volfson and Katie Stipe, Cocktail Consultants for The Vine
Ingredients:
- 1 oz gin
- .5 oz lemon juice
- .5 oz simple syrup
- 4 dash housemade hibiscus tincture
- top with sparkling wine
Combine gin, lemon juice, hibiscus tincture (if you have it) and simple syrup. Stir over ice. Strain into a Champagne flute and top with bubbles.
Boat House Punch:
Created by Julie Reiner, Partner of Clover Club, Flatiron Lounge and Leyenda
Ingredients:
- 1.5 ounces gin
- 1 ounce aperol
- .5 ounce St. Germain
- .5 ounce lemon juice
- .5 ounce orange juice
- .5 oz grapefruit juice
Muddle 2 long lemon twists in a bar spoon of sugar. Add ingredients and shake. Strain over fresh ice in a wine glass and top with 2 ounces Rose Champagne. Garnish with an orange wheel.
Poet’s Passion:
Created by Lucinda Sterling, Managing Partner of Middle Branch
Ingredients:
- 1.5 oz gin
- .5 oz peach liqueur
- .5 oz passion fruit concentrate
- .5 oz fresh lime juice
- peach bitters
Shake all ingredients with ice, and strain into a Collins. Top with club soda and garnish with a lime wheel or wedge.
Close Harmony:
Created by Eryn Reece, Head Bartender of Death & Co.
Ingredients:
- 1.50 oz gin
- 0.50 oz Dolin Blanc vermouth
- 0.50 oz Dolin dry vermouth
- 0.25 oz Dolin Genepy
- Half dash lavender bitters
Combine all ingredients over ice and stir. Strain into a Champagne Coupe.
Skin Deep:
Created by Ivy Mix, Head Bartender and Co-Owner of Leyenda
Ingredients:
- 1 oz gin
- 1 oz La Diablada Pisco
- 1 oz Dolin Dry vermouth
- dash orange bitters
Combine all ingredients over ice and stir. Strain into a Champagne Coupe or Martini glass and garnish with a lemon twist and an olive.
Total Recall:
Created by Natasha David, Co-owner of Nitecap
Ingredients:
- 2 oz gin
- 1 oz Cocchi Rosa
- 0.25 oz strawberry syrup
- 1 dash Vieux Pontarlier absinthe
Stir all ingredients together over ice. Strain into a white wine glass.
Word Play:
Created by Pamela Wiznitzer, Creative Director at Seamstress
Ingredients
- 1.5 oz gin
- .5 oz Campari
- .1 oz strawberry syrup (either made with fresh strawberries and simple syrup, or using a brand like Perfect Puree strawberry with an additional 1/3 mixture of simple syrup)
- .75 oz lemon juice
- 1 oz half and half
- 1 egg white
- Soda water
- 3 dashes bittermans burlesque bitters
Dry shake all ingredients except the soda. Add ice and shake once more. Then strain into a highball glass filled with ice. Top with soda water. Garnish with a strawberry half on the rim of the glass.