So we went to Dylon Tubb, one of the amazing bartenders at Liberty Bar in Seattle, who made us the Sophisticated Rickey, a mellow lime and gin cocktail using Genku-Su Ginger Honey Drinking Vinegar. This vinegar, created by Judy Tan and Takako McNeil in Portland, is crazy strong – and good for you. In addition to being great for digestion, it’s wonderful for the skin and can help reduce hangovers. We tried drinking it diluted in water first, and the vinegar is intense, with the pickled ginger and sweet honey hitting with full force and a great vinegar tang. Still, since it’s recommended to take drinking vinegars regularly, we definitely prefer getting our health benefits in cocktail form.
Sophisticated Rickey, by Dylon Tubb
¾ oz Genku-Su Ginger Honey Drinking Vinegar
2 oz Gin
½ oz Lime
½ oz Cocchi Americano
Top Champagne
Add everything but the champagne into a cocktail shaker. Shake and strain over ice, top with champagne.
Image credits: Jessica Tupper