The Shining Path

Will Elliott, Maison Premiere | New York

“Avèze has potency and lovely bitter notes that are very thirst-quenching,” says Will Elliott, who considers it an essential component to the backbar. Here, he pairs the gentian liqueur with one of its French cousins, Salers, plus lemon juice, lemon cordial and St-Germain. A float of bitter Rinomato balances it all out.

Ingredients

Serving: 1

  • 1/2 ouce St-Germain
  • 1/2 ouce St-Germain
  • 1/2 ounce lemon juice
  • 1/2 ounce lemon juice
  • 1/2 ounce lemon cordial (see Editor's Note)
  • 1/2 ounce lemon cordial (see Editor's Note)
  • 1/2 ounce Avèze
  • 1/2 ounce Avèze
  • 3/4 ounce Salers
  • 3/4 ounce Salers
  • Rinomato, to float
  • Rinomato, to float

Garnish: microplaned lemon zest

Directions
  1. Combine all ingredients in a mixing tin and shake with ice.
  2. Fine strain into a footed pilsner glass filled with crushed ice.
  3. Top with a float of Rinomato and garnish with microplaned lemon zest.
Editor's Note

Lemon Cordial:
1 ounce vodka
The zest of 10 lemons
2 cups sugar
2 cups lemon juice

Add the vodka to the lemon zest and set aside. In a large container, combine the sugar and lemon juice. Add the vodka and lemon zest mixture, cover and set aside overnight to infuse. Fine strain, bottle and store. Will keep for up to 1 month in the refrigerator.