Cloud 9

This cocktail combines just about all my favorite vanilla pairings in one. The vanilla extract + spice covered my first, which is vanilla and all-spice. I wanted to combine that with a trio of citrus (key lime, lemon and citron) and just a hint of ginger and vegetal from the green tea. When it all comes together this cocktail has beautiful texture, sweetness and tartness with vanilla running through every note.

1. In a non-reactive container, combine the sugar and vanilla extract.
2. Cut the key limes in halves and lightly squeeze juice into sugar, placing the rinds into the sugar as well and stir to mix.
3. Let stand overnight.
4. Pour the ginger tea over the mixture.
5. Stir until all sugar is dissolved and fine strain solids.
6. Store refrigerated.

1. Combine all ingredients except tonic in a cocktail shaker and dry shake without ice.
2. Add ice and hard shake.
3. Add a splash of tonic and strain into a chilled cocktail coupe.
4. Express a lemon twist over cocktail and discard.
5. Garnish with a mint leaf.