Improved Sherry Cocktail

“The idea with the Improved Sherry Cocktail was to create an aperitif cocktail that focused on minerality instead of bitterness, and to modify that with the maraschino/absinthe combo found in the ‘improved’ style cocktail, “ says Midnight Rambler barman Chad Solomon. “The salt really brings out the natural brininess and minerality of fino sherry.”

2½ oz. fino sherry
½ oz. amontillado sherry
¼ oz. simple syrup (1:1)
¾ tsp. maraschino liqueur
1/8 tsp. absinthe
1 dash orange bitters
2 dashes Angostura
2 drops salt solution (see below)
Tools: mixing glass, strainer, barspoon
Glass: Sherry
Garnish: lemon peel

Combine all ingredients in a mixing glass with ice. Stir to chill and strain into a sherry glass. Garnish.

Salt solution: Combine 1 tsp. of kosher salt with 9 tsp. of water. Stir until the salt has dissolved. Store in a bottle with a dropper.

Christy Pope and Chad Solomon, Midnight Rambler, Dallas, TX