Improved with Tequila

Another one from Imbibe!—David Wondrich’s great romp through the 19th century in the footsteps of the legendary barman Jerry Thomas. The “Improved” is one of a family of drinks, and like the Old-Fashioned Whiskey, Brandy or Gin Cocktail, a template with which one might use any of those spirits—or even something that would’ve been unusual for the customer in the time and place when these drinks were first consumed. As it happens, the Improved treatment really suits tequila. It’s almost a Holland gin effect but with an edge reminiscent of black pepper.



Improved with Tequila

• 2 oz tequila
• 2 dashes gum syrup (1/2 tsp simple syrup)
• 1/2 tsp maraschino
  
• 1 dash absinthe (1/2 tsp)
• Small lemon twist
• Piece of lemon to rim the glass

Moisten the edge of a chilled cocktail glass with a piece of lemon. Combine liquid ingredients with ice and stir. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass and do the twist.
SOURCE: ADAPTED FROM A RECIPE BY JERRY THOMAS, FROM DAVID WONDRICH, IMBIBE!