Summer Cocktail Series: The Persian Persuader

I've got to thank my Aussie friend Michael for this one. 


Now, I'm not sure where the legend started, but a long, long time ago in a hotel lobby far, far away the saga begins. (I didn't know it was possible to be in the middle-of-nowhere yet somehow be close to the second biggest mall in the country). 

The Persuader is a disarmingly potent cocktail. Don't be fooled by the faint fuchsia color, guys. It's a great drink to quaff on a hot summer night, or after a long day of work. Also, women seem to love it. It's a great cocktail to whip up if you've got a lady friend that is parched that you can enjoy as well.

The finishing touch, and signature of the cocktail, is a float of a little POM juice, it's a touch stronger and more syrupy than cranberry juice, but it cuts right through the bite of the gin. Dangerous!

The Persauder is a slight variation of a gin and tonic. The trick is to bruise the mint to release its flavor into the drink. You don't need go all he-man and mash it up, just bruise the leaves a little.  This can be done by a gentle muddle, or adding the mint in first, then add ice and gin and give it a good strong stir.  Then, add some lime juice and a splash of soda water for some sparkle.


So, take a sip, and let the cool, refreshing drink persuade you into a pleasant evening of relaxing. 

The Persian Persuader
makes: 2 drinks


Ingredients:
2 oz gin (preferably Hendrick's)
2 leaves mint
2 tsp lime juice (just squeeze in a slice)
1 oz soda water
1 oz POM juice


Method:
1.) In a boston shaker muddle the mint, add the gin and lime juice. Add ice and stir quickly to chill.
2.) Strain into a old fashioned glass with ice, add soda water and POM.
OR
1.) In the bottom of the old fashioned glass add the mint, add the gin, lime juice and ice. Stir quickly to bruise the mint. 
2.) Add soda and POM.