Los Angeles restaurant NINETHIRTY has released a new cocktail, called the "G-Sprout," with a surprising twist. Two, actually: a sliver of garlic and a pinch of sprouts. Though it may not be traditional to drink your salad, this cocktail isn't the first to mix the grassy flavor of sprouts or the tangy kick of garlic with the flexibility of vodka. In fact, there's a wealth of vegetable cocktails out there to try. This combination is light, surprisingly tasty, and undeniably clever.

Ingredients

Method

Simply, serve in a chilled martini glass.

*To make lemon lime sour: Heat 3 cups of water and 1 cup of sugar in a small pot over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sugar is dissolved. Stir in 1/2 cup of fresh squeezed lemon juice and 1/2 cup of fresh squeezed lime juice, and let the mixture cool.

After mixing this one up in my test kitchen, I've got a couple of recommendations.

First, chop the sprouts slightly so you don't wind up pulling long strings of alfalfa out of the glass every time you sip.

Second, smash the garlic very slightly or let it infuse in the vodka for 30 minutes at least, so you get the full benefit of its flavor.

For a lighter, less sweet flavor, serve this in a highball glass over ice, with a splash or two of soda.

And if you live in Los Angeles, head over to NINETHIRTY, in the W LA-Westwood, and give my compliments to the mixologist.

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image: Jessica Reeder