Soho (cocktail)

(This recipe courtesy of bartender Tommy at Gigante Bar & Restaurant, Eastchester, NY.)

The SOHO cocktail is a mix of ingredients I didn’t expect to like, but did. The bartender at Gigante Bar in Eastechester, NY shared this recipe with me. It’s a botanical tasting martini-style drink served “up”. The way the vodka, tequila and ginger liquor offset each other and take on a cucumber-mint essence makes it well worthy of mention.

Requirements: Stoli cucumber vodka, silver tequila, Domaine de Canton ginger liqueur, lemon juice, mint.

• 1.5 oz. (1 jigger) Stoli cucumber vodka
• 1.5 oz. (1 jigger) silver tequila
• 1.5 oz. (1 jigger) Domaine de Canton ginger liqueur
• .75 oz. (1 pony) lemon juice
• 10 fresh mint leaves

Mix all liquid ingredients into an ice-filled shaker and shake vigorously. Strain into a martini glass and sprinkle about 10 fresh mint leaves in the drink. Garnish with a cucumber slice (optional). Serve “up”.

Comments: This is a well-rounded drink that packs a punch without being harsh. On a personal note, this was the last time in a bar for two years because COVID-19 quarantine began shortly thereafter.