The Valentina; a spicy take on the Cosmonaut

I love trying out new things. Even when something looks like it is going to be horrible, I still want to give it a try. So, when I came across a bottle of Beefeater Pink it was a done deal. Beefeater is one of my favorite gins, even the shocking color and strawberry flavor couldn't dissuade me. Turns out its actually pretty good, and I immediately came up with a drink idea for it.

This is my take on a Cosmonaut, or what is some times called a Gin and Jam. Since the gin itself is pretty sweet, I went in a different direction with the jam and used a red pepper jelly for a little heat and tartness. And of course I’m naming it after Valentina Tereshkova, an actual Cosmonaut and the first woman to fly into space.

The Valentina

2 oz.      Beefeater Pink gin
1/2 oz.  lemon juice
1 heaping bar spoon red pepper jelly

​Combine in a shaker with ice, shake until mixed. Strain into a coupe glass.

This is so easy and tastes way more complex than it is. 

​Cheers!