Chipilo Cocktail

At Hawksmoor's New York City outpost, bar manager Adam Montgomerie is known for updating classic cocktails with thoughtful, surprising twists. A few of our favorites include the Apple Martini, which calls for eau de vie instead of apple liquer and sour mix, and a Sour Cherry Negroni that makes use of Martini Rubio vermouth for added complexity. The Chipilo is a Hawksmoor-ified version of a classic White Negroni, and calls for Mijenta Tequila instead of the classic gin.

"The lime leaf tincture pairs really nicely with the agave flavor from the tequila, and the addition of some acidity from the verjus keeps everything light and fresh, making the drink an ideal aperitif," Montgomerie explains. If you haven't been incorporating verjus — which is made from pressing unripe grapes that are typically harvested at the beginning of the growing season — into your cocktails, the Chipilo cocktail is a great place to start. Montgomerie suggests using a blanc verjus, like this option from New York-based Wolffer Estate, which plays nicely with dry vermouth.

While it might seem daunting to make a tincture for this drink, all you'll need is vodka here are a few of the best bottles of vodka to have on hand, if your bar cart needs a refresh — and some dried makrut lime leaves, which are easy to find online. — Oset Babür-Winter