Serves 2

Ran Duan designed this combination of ingredients (some exotic, but all sold in good liquor stores) to bring out the subtle flavors of higher-quality gins. Hendrick’s, his preferred gin here, is rich in botanicals and, in particular, has bright, crisp, zesty floral notes: juniper, citrus, rose, cucumber, elderflower. Rose water enhances those flavors, absinthe adds character and complexity, and falernum syrup provides savory balance.

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4 ounces Hendrick’s gin

1 ounce St-Germain

1 ounce falernum syrup

14 drops rose water

2 teaspoons absinthe

2 lemon twists

Combine ingredients, except lemon twists, in an ice-filled shaker and stir gently. Strain into 2 short-stemmed glasses and garnish with twists.