modenese cooler

1 drink

Balsamic vinegar, the pride of Modena, might not be the first ingredient that comes to mind when you think of a refreshing summer cocktail. But in this recipe, Damon Boelte, bar director of Prime Meats restaurant in Brooklyn, New York, deftly balances the rich tartness of the vinegar with the sweetness of strawberries, while Campari and sweet vermouth give a satisfying bite to the complex flavors of this cocktail.

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Ingredients

1 1/2 ounces strawberry infused Hendrick’s gin (see note)
1 ounce sweet vermouth
1 ounce Campari
1/4 ounce good-quality balsamic vinegar
3 slices cucumber
3-5 slices strawberries
2 ounces ginger ale

Instructions

Fill a highball glass with ice. Add all ingredients and stir.

NOTES: To make the strawberry infused gin, remove 1 cup gin (or more if necessary) from full 750ml bottle Hendrick’s gin to make room for strawberries (reserve for another use). Quarter 7 to 12 strawberries and add to bottle. Let stand overnight.

For entertaining, multiply ingredient quantities by 8 and serve from a 2 quart pitcher or punch bowl.

June 2012