Black Peppercorn Gimlet

Black Peppercorn Gimlet

This edgy imp of a drink is actually a classic cocktail, (and we’re big fans of the gin version.) Pepper takes center stage for this gimlet, providing a warm counterpoint to the crisp refresher of lime and icy spirits. It’s important to freshly grind or crush your whole peppercorns in fairly large pieces to get the flavor and texture right and be able to strain out the grit. Nobody wants to chew their drink!

On a pepper kick? Try our Steak with Red Wine Pepper Sauce next.

What you may not know about this under-appreciated seasoning is that pepper is also used as a natural preservative, a digestive stimulant and a powerful aid to maximizing nutrient absorption. An expanding list of the humble black peppercorn’s health benefits includes relief from respiratory disorders, anemia, impotency, stomach and digestive issues and heart disease. Best of all, pepper acts as an anti-depressant, boosting beta-endorphins and serotonin production. So drink up and perhaps you’ll enjoy this cocktail a little more than you ought to!

You can make a stevia simple syrup to remove a couple sins from the counter; there are several respectable recipes online. Other classic garnishes include a slice of cucumber, a floating basil leaf, even a fine powdery dash of pepper on top. For truly classy occasions, try a lime zest and white pepper rim.

If you feel a bit guilty after all this impish misbehavior, we’ve got 5 foolproof ways to get back to healthy habits. But remember–a little bit like black peppercorn syrup–the good life can be a balance of delightful and strange contraditions!

Black Peppercorn Gimlet
 
Author:
Ingredients
  • Black Peppercorn Syrup:
  • 1 tablespoon whole peppercorns
  • 1 tablespoon crushed peppercorns
  • 1½ cups water
  • 1 cup sugar
  • Black Peppercorn Gimlet:
  • 1 ounce black peppercorn syrup
  • ½ ounce fresh lime juice
  • 2 ounces gin or vodka
Instructions
  1. Black Peppercorn Syrup:
  2. Combine all into saucepan over high heat and stir until sugar is dissolved.
  3. Bring mixture to a boil.
  4. Reduce to a simmer 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  5. Once sugar is dissolved, remove from heat and let cool.
  6. Strain into a container and refrigerate. Will last up to 1 month in fridge.
  7. Black Peppercorn Gimlet:
  8. Combine all ingredients into a cocktail shaker.
  9. Shake and strain.
  10. Garnish with a twist of lime.

 

Katie Warner

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