Summer Cocktail Recipe: Kings County Swizzle

Just a stone’s throw from the Atlantic Yards construction zone, an auto body repair shop and a drive-thru McDonald’s, is an unassuming entrance to the classiest bar in Prospect Heights. Yet Weather Up generously assumes nothing of its patrons, except an appreciation for good lighting and a refined cocktail.

On a recent summer evening, the affable Ben Curtis was tending bar, slinging perfectly mixed drinks and breezy banter in equal parts. Upon request, he sent us home with a recipe for this shockingly fresh crowd pleaser.

Kings County SwizzleINGREDIENTS:5-6 mint leaves (and one spring for garnish)3/4 oz. grapefruit juice1/2 oz. lime juice1/2 oz. honey syrup (one-to-one ratio of honey diluted in water)1 1/2 oz. dry gin (like Plymouth)bitters

INSTRUCTIONS:1. In a Collins glass, gently muddle mint (do not pulverize). Add crushed ice to the halfway mark.2. In a shaker, combine juices, honey syrup, and gin. Shake.3. Pour into the Collins glass, then add 5-6 dashes of bitters.4. Top off with more ice and garnish with mint.