I can’t drink gin because of an allergy issue, and it really is too bad because there are so many tasty cocktails made with gin.  I guess you ladies will just have to enjoy this one on my behalf.  So drink up!

The Dress

Alice + Olivia Sequin Dress (Singer22, $495)

It was really a toss-up between this dress, and a darker one shoulder from La Garconne. But in the end, sequins always wins the race.

The Drink

The Bramble is a British import often made with blackberries.  The New York Times has labeled it the next big cocktail to watch.  A Cosmo for a new generation.  Of course, I think publishing an NYT article on the beverage will probably increase the cocktail’s popularity.  Perhaps that was the reporter’s intention all along.

The Bramble

2 ounces gin

1 ounce fresh lemon juice

1/2 ounce simple syrup (see note)

1/2 ounce crème de mûre.

In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, shake together the first three ingredients and strain into a rocks glass filled with crushed ice (see below), mounded high. Drizzle crème de mûre over the top and garnish with a slice of lemon, two blackberries and a short straw.

Note: Crushed ice is important in this drink for the dilution. At home, you can either smash your cubes in a clean dish towel or make cracked ice by whacking each cube with the back of a heavy spoon.

And, to make simple syrup, stir together equal measures of hot water and sugar, cool to room temperature and store in refrigerator until ready to use.