figure eight

1 3/4 oz Anchor's Junipero Gin
3/4 oz Velvet Falernum
3/4 oz Dolin Blanc Vermouth
3/4 oz Lemon Juice

Shake with ice and double strain into a rocks glass pre-rinsed with 3 spritzes of juniper-infused Neisson Rhum Agricole.

On Superbowl Sunday, Andrea and I visited No. 9 Park where we were sure that no television would be the focus of the evening. Instead of the cheers and groans of sports fans, our ears were soothed by the sounds of French folk songs as No. 9 Park had converted itself into a tribute to Parisian bistro Chez L'ami Louis for the night. For a start, bartender Ted Kilpatrick recommended the Figure Eight. When I inquired why there was a juniper-infused rhum rinse when the spirit involved was the potent Junipero Gin, Ted explained that without the rinse, the drink came across a bit too much like an aperitif in style. The rhum aspect of the rinse helped to dry out the drink and bring out the falernum's notes, whereas the fresh juniper part brightened the drink and made it seem crisper. Indeed, he named it the Figure Eight for the alternation of the rhum-tropical and the gin-vermouth focus kept repeating like an infinity sign or a number eight.
The juniper-infused rhum agricole contributed greatly to the drink's aroma where it joined the falernum's lime and spice notes; later, the bouquet was more grassy and vegetal with a curry-like spice to it. The sip offered up the citrus and the Dolin Blanc flavors which led into the gin swallow that ended with the lemon's tartness.