The Southtown

This drink doesn’t just spell refreshment—it’s also named for an artsy San Antonio neighborhood.

1 ½ oz. gin
½ oz. fresh lime juice
½ oz. rich simple syrup (2:1)
5 mint leaves
2 oz. ginger beer
Tools: shaker, strainer, fine strainer
Glass: Collins
Garnish: cracked pepper and fresh mint

Shake all ingredients except ginger beer with ice until chilled. Double-strain into a Collins glass over fresh ice cubes. Top with ginger beer, then garnish with cracked pepper and mint.

Jeret Peña for The Esquire Tavern, San Antonio