Shots and Stripes Forever

Pamela Wiznitzer, Dead Rabbit | New York City

shots and stripes forever cocktail recipe daniel krieger

Few holidays call for technicolor layered cocktails like the 4th of July. Pamela Wiznitzer of the Dead Rabbit in New York City abides by Old Glory’s colors with this gin sour swizzle of sorts saturated with blue Curaçao and Peychaud’s bitters. The drink was originally created as a shot, so can be split up to create two servings. Just prepare extra crushed ice in two short glasses for half-sized drinks. All the better for raising a glass to America.

Ingredients

Serving: 1

  • 2 ounces gin (preferably Brooklyn gin)
  • 2 ounces gin (preferably Brooklyn gin)
  • 1/2 ounce blue curaçao
  • 1/2 ounce blue curaçao
  • 3/4 ounce lemon juice
  • 3/4 ounce lemon juice
  • 1/4 ounce vanilla syrup (see Editor's Note)
  • 1/4 ounce vanilla syrup (see Editor's Note)
  • 2 dashes orange bitters
  • 2 dashes orange bitters

Garnish: Peychaud's bitters

Directions
  1. Prepare a batch of completely crushed ice.
  2. Add a layer of crushed ice to the bottom of a Collins glass.
  3. Add all ingredients to a cocktail shaker.
  4. Add ice and shake until chilled.
  5. Strain over first layer of crushed ice in the Collins glass to create a "blue" layer.
  6. Fill glass with remaining crushed ice to create a "white" layer.
  7. Dash Angostura bitter over top for a "red" layer.
Editor's Note

To make vanilla syrup, combine 1 cup sugar with 1 cup water and one vanilla bean (split in half) over low heat. Stir until sugar dissolves. Remove from heat and allow to sit for 30 minutes until cooled. Remove vanilla bean and store in an airtight container in refrigerator until ready to use. If desired, scrape the contents of the vanilla bean into the syrup if a more robust vanilla flavor.