Danny Meyer restaurants are known for service, attention to detail and devotion to great ingredients, but often overlooked are the beverage programs. Sure the group has published a book of cocktail recipes, but no one ever seems to talk about their cocktails. One place we've never failed to have a well made drink is the Bar Room at The Modern (9 W. 53rd Street) and a recent visit introduced us to a modern version of the Bronx cocktail called "The Heights." Incredibly aromatic and herbaceous, this layered drink worked very well with the charcuterie and Alsatian-style menu. The base of the cocktail is Ransom Old Tom style gin, which is more malty than the cleaner modern gins, and Ramazzotti Amaro, an Italian bitter. The grapefruit juice and grapefruit bitters work in harmony to enhance the botanicals and give the drink unexpected depth of flavor. Here's the complete recipe:
The Heights, courtesy The Modern
1oz Ransom Gin
1oz Ramazzotti Amaro
1oz Dolin Blanc Vermouth
1oz Grapefruit Juice
4 dashes A.B. Smeby Spiced Grapefruit Bitters
Combine all ingredients with ice in a shaker and stir well. Strain and serve into a martini glass. Garnish with grapefruit twist.
