The perfect cocktail pack

1x Maidenii Dry Vermouth (375ml)

1x Maidenii Sweet Vermouth (375ml)

1x Isolation Proof Gin (750ml)

I was thinking about the roaring 20’s the other day, a wildly enchanting decade at the cultural crux of sophistication and debauchery. Smoke-filled speakeasies, gangsters clad in pinstripes, brooding authors drunk on existentialism, sultry songbirds crooning to every class of person all packed in one place, all there for one thing - a damn good drink. I want that for us in the here and now, don’t you?

So in the spirit of revelry, good company, and bad decisions we’re throwing a party of sorts and serving up a swingin’ deal featuring our Maidenii dry and sweet vermouths along with a bottle of New York’s own Isolation Proof Gin. It’s our first collaboration, and I hope you’re as excited as I am!

Maidenii (pronounced Maiden - eye) uses young wine and native flora to produce a vibrant and distinct vermouths. They’re made by distinguished French winemaker Giles Lapalus and acclaimed Aussie bartender Shaun Byrne, who have come together to make a stunning handcrafted aperitif, and are changing the way the casual drinker looks at this classic pour.

And while this duo of artisanal fortifieds made from a unique array of Australian botanicals is just as good served in a simple spritz as it is slowly sipped on the rocks, I’ve decided to invite one more friend along. It is a party after all.

Isolation Proof Gin is crafted by good friend Jake Sherry and his team. His vision was born in a wooden barn in the 20s, 2020 that is. As a New York state farm distillery they're sourcing 80% or more of their raw materials locally, including using 100% up-cycled whey as the base of their spirit. Made with seven core botanicals, and mineral-rich spring water that sees no chill filtration, the minimalist, hands off approach at Isolation Proof has served them well to say the least. Their focus on sustainability and low intervention distillation practices results in a gin teeming with personality and an incredible sense of place. A cross between London Dry and New American style, this spirit serves up earth and spice with the herbaceous sweetness of licorice, and lively notes of orange peel and black pepper. The nose is grassy and floral, and the palate full and silky.

So enjoy this wonderfully versatile and complementary combo of spirit and fortifieds at some clandestine party tucked behind a secret door disguised as a bookcase, in a sweltering basement blaring Ellington and Armstrong, or have a cheeky cocktail while relaxing in the bathtub reading some Fitzgerald. Creative cocktail options abound. So what’s it gonna be a Blind Pig Negroni or a Bathtub Gin Spritz? I’m just kidding, no need to choose. Here’s a recipe for both.

Blind Pig Negroni

This simple twist switches out your standard Campari for Aperol, because sometimes when you look the other way you grab the wrong bottle - doesn't mean it won't still be delicious!

1 oz Isolation Proof gin

1 oz Maidenii sweet vermouth

1 oz Aperol

Gently stir in a mixing glass with ice, serve over a large cube, and garnish with a twist of orange.

Bathtub Gin Spritz

This hybrid cocktail is as delightful as it is versatile; part aperitif, part gin fizz, part hair of the dog.

1.5 oz Isolation Proof gin

1 oz Maidenii dry vermouth

1 oz fresh lemon juice

.5 oz simple syrup

1 egg white

Your favorite sparkling wine or club soda.

Dry shake for at least 15 seconds, strain over ice into your largest tub sized wine glass, top with bubbles, and garnish with a sprig of lavender or fresh thyme.