Mix It: Green Russell’s Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell

As a recent Denver transplant, I finally found my way to Green Russell. The Larimer Square speakeasy’s ever-rotating, seasonal cocktail menus made the task of finding the clandestine, barely-lit bar completely worth it.

Tucked into a leather chair in a dark corner, I sipped a gin cocktail called Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell (above). Served in a martini glass, the Leopold gin’s full, earthy flavor was buoyed by St. Germain’s efflorescence, frothy egg white, and black pepper simple syrup. The drink—silky from the egg and garnished with a turn of freshly ground black pepper—culminated in a balanced, almost-milky, satisfying sip.

Snack on this: Although Green Russell doesn’t have a full food menu, it does offer a few small plate options. Go with the filling black bean sliders.

Make the cocktail at home: Follow the recipe up top and make sure to shake the egg white by itself before adding other ingredients. Mix together and garnish with a grind of black pepper.

Bonus: For more on gin and its recent resurgence read our story on the Colorado-made spirit.