High Latitudes Vodka Gimlet

Most sailors are tinkerers, particularly in the interest of creature comfort. This terrific Vodka Gimlet on the rocks has been tinkered with twice. Ironically, both improvements were developed ashore, but it will travel. (If you're not way far north or south, you'll have to hail a vessel with an ice maker or make sail for the nearest marina.)

Hard-pressed bartenders at the Yale Club of New York City pioneered a technique to slow the inevitable watering down suffered by drinks on the rocks. They mix the drink in a cocktail shaker filled with ice–as they would to pour it straight-up. But instead they serve it in a capacious Old-fashioned glass full of  fresh, cold ice.

A hundred miles to the  north-northeast, meanwhile, at the Mayflower Inn,  in the quiet Litchfield Hills, bartenders with more time on their hands have subtly modified the traditional gimlet's ingredients. They go easy on the Rose's Lime Juice and squeeze in fresh lemon and fresh lime. Combined,  these two improvements yield  an arrestingly crisp, cold cocktail worthy of the name,  High Latitudes Vodka Gimlet.

SERVES 2
6 oz. Vodka
2 tsp. Roses Lime Juice
Juice of 1/2 Lemon
Juice of 1/2 Lime
Garnish with thin wedge of lime

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