Spicy Asian Cucumber Gimlet

Method

Add the gin and cordial to a shaker with ice. Roll until chilled, then strain into a chilled coupe. Garnish generously with chili oil, and enjoy!

Notes

*To make the sesame oil-washed gin, combine 500 mL of Empress Cucumber Lemon Gin with 5 mL sesame oil and let infuse. Once the oil has fully separated, freeze until the oil solidifies, then fine-strain to remove it.

**To make the cordial, start by whisking 1.5 g agar-agar into 150 g water and bring to a boil. Pour into a heat-resistant container and allow to fully set. Break up the gel, blend with 500 mL lime juice using an immersion blender, then strain through two coffee filters. Combine the clarified lime juice with 367 g simple syrup, 83 g rice vinegar, and 50 drops (2.5 mL) soy sauce to make the cordial then keep stored in the fridge.

***To make the chili oil, carefully pour 150 mL hot oil over 2 tbsp chili flakes and allow to macerate until cooled.