Spicy Asian Cucumber Gimlet

Method

To make the sesame oil-washed gin, combine the gin and sesame oil. Once the oil has fully separated, freeze until the oil solidifies, then fine-strain to remove it. For the clarified lime juice, whisk agar-agar into the water and bring to a boil. Pour into a heat-resistant container and allow to fully set. Break up the gel, blend with the lime juice using an immersion blender, then strain through two coffee filters. Combine the clarified lime juice with simple syrup, rice vinegar, and soy sauce to make the cordial. For the chilli oil, carefully pour hot oil over chilli flakes and allow to macerate until cooled. To build the cocktail, add sesame oil-washed gin and lime cordial to a shaker with ice. Roll until chilled, then strain into a chilled coupe. Garnish generously with chilli oil, and enjoy!

Notes

Sesame Oil-Washed Gin
500 mL Empress Cucumber Lemon Gin
5 mL Sesame Oil

Clarified Lime Cordial
500 mL Fresh Lime Juice
150 g Water
1.5 g Agar Agar
Simple Syrup
Rice Vinegar
Soy Sauce

Chili Oil
2 tbsp Chilli Flakes
150 mL Hot Oil