We’ve found our new favorite cocktail, the Link Ray, at barkeep Jim Kearns’ latest boite, The Happiest Hour in Manhattan’s West Village. The Balthazar, Pegu Club and Dumont alum has whipped up this creative, hand-crafted cocktail at owner Jon Neidich’s tropical-inspired, retro neighborhood hangout, where a small, curated drink menu accompanies killer burgers.
“I wanted to put together a very savory profile that played various vegetal flavors off of each other,” explains Kearns. “I think it’s fun, the way the Suze and celery play together, and the addition of jalapeño-infused tequila, for its notes of pepper and spice, the savory qualities of gin, or the grassy flavor of Rhum agricole all really complement the base ingredients.”
Here’s how to make one for yourself:
LINK RAY
1.5 oz Jalapeño tequila, rum or gin
3/4 oz lime juice
2 oz celery juice
0.5 oz cane syrup
0.5 oz Suze liqueur
Combine all ingredients, shake and pour into highball glass half-rimmed with celery powder and salt. Top with soda and add ice. Garnish with celery stalk and black pepper.
