Serves 1
4 large fresh blackberries, divided
3 to 4 2-inch long cuttings lemongrass
1 oz. freshly squeezed lemon juice
1/2 oz. simple syrup
2 oz. Hendricks Gin
2 dashes Fernet Branca
Small portion absinthe
Fresh mint sprig
Fresh lemon peel
Add 3 blackberries, lemongrass, lemon juice and simple syrup to a mixing glass. Muddle until blackberries are fully macerated.
Add gin and Fernet Branca to the glass.
In a pre-chilled cocktail glass, add a wash of Absinthe to coat the glass; remove excess.
Shake ingredients in a Boston shaker.
Double-strain through a fine strainer into a cocktail glass.
Garnish with a blackberry on the side of the glass and a sprig of mint.
Float a small lemon peel on the top of the drink.
This article appears in Oct 1-31, 2010.