A Delicate Balance

• 2.0 oz. London Dry gin
• 0.5 oz. Blanc vermouth
• 0.5 oz. Maurin Quina
• 0.25 oz. Elderflower liqueur
• Barspoon of absinthe
• Dash of lemon bitters

Stir with ice and strain into glass. Garnish with lemon peel.

Recently when I want something without citrus but of a lighter profile I mix this one up. London Dry is not necessary as you could reach for a floral contemporary gin. The sweetness from the elderflower is offset by bitterness from the vermouth and quina (which both offer a little sweetness as well). The absinthe just takes it to another level.

I could say something about drinking too many and losing that delicate balance, but this drink is better than that, even if I am not.