G.E.M. Cocktail
A classic split-base drink of cognac and Jamaican rum, tart lime and pineapple sweetness.
Ingredients
- Cognac30 ml
- Dark rum, Jamaican aged rum30 ml
- Lime juice, freshly squeezed22.5 ml
- Aromatic bitters (Angostura)e.g. Angostura1 dash
- Pineapple, for garnish (optional)1 wedge
- Lime, for garnish (optional)1 twist
- Cinnamon, freshly grated, for garnish (optional)1 pinch
Method
- Chill a coupe or cocktail glass thoroughly.
- Add the cognac, Jamaican rum, lime juice and bitters to a shaker.
- Fill the shaker with plenty of ice.
- Shake hard for 8–10 seconds until thoroughly chilled.
- Double strain through a fine-mesh strainer into the cold glass for a silky texture.
- Garnish with a sprinkle of freshly grated cinnamon and, if you like, a pineapple spear or lime twist.
About this drink
The G.E.M. Cocktail dates from the late nineteenth century and is an early forerunner of tiki’s split-base approach, long before Don the Beachcomber made it popular. Cognac and Jamaican rum together bring a depth and funk that later tiki drinks developed further. Modern bartenders such as Ned King have rediscovered and refined the recipe for today’s palate.
