Five Questions with David Stewart

The Bright Darling showcases how good gin can be in a sweet cocktail. The hibiscus liqueur and simple syrup combine for a cocktail that is sweet with enough bite to make sure you never forget that you’re drinking CITY Bright gin. The lavender bitters pull out the best of all the flavors. This cocktail is perfect for impressing every one of your friends, as you demonstrate how memorable a cocktail can be, and how awesome you are at mixing.

Few liquors have the versatility of gin. With a naturally bitter flavor thanks to the strong presence of juniper, when gin is combined into a cocktail with bitters or tonic water it will have a crisp, refreshing bite. But if you like things on the opposite end of the spectrum, adding simple syrup will create a sweet, tasty cocktail.

Ingredients:

• 1.5 oz. CITY Bright gin
• 0.5 oz FRUITLAB Hibiscus liqueur
• 1 oz. fresh lime juice
• 1 oz. simple syrup
• 3 dashes BAR KEEP Lavender Bitters

Fresh bay leaf

Method: Combine all with ice and shake then strain into a cocktail glass and garnish with a bay leaf.

Left on Mateo. Typically, cocktails use a limited number of spirits as a base, and avoid some combinations altogether. While gin, tequila, and vermouth don’t throw up stop signs like some combos do, the pairing of all three together is rare. Left on Mateo, one of the more adventurous cocktails from Elitario Distillery, is making sure the unusual flavor pairing gets its moment in the sun. Each sip is an intriguing mix of flavor, and will leave you thirsty for more.

Ingredients:

• 1 oz CITY Bright gin
• 1 oz IXÁ Reposado tequila
• 1 oz red vermouth

Method: Combine all with ice and stir. Serve in rocks glass over a large ice cube.