The Portland Cooler

• 1 strip red bell pepper (about 1/2 inch wide by 3 to 4 inches long)
• 2 large mint leaves
• 2 ounces (1/4 cup) gin
• 2 ounces (1/4 cup) lime juice
• 1 ounce (2 tablespoons) strong simple syrup (see Tip)

1. Fill a cocktail shaker halfway with ice and add the pepper and mint.
2. Use a muddler to crush and bruise the fresh ingredients thoroughly; the goal is to break some of the pepper into a coarse paste and release the aromatics from the mint.
3. Add the gin, lime juice, and simple syrup, cover the shaker, and shake vigorously for 30 seconds.
4. Strain into a chilled martini glass and enjoy right away.
5. I guarantee you wont stop at just one!
6. To make strong simple syrup, bring 1 cup water to a boil in a small saucepan.
7. Add 1 1/2 cups sugar and stir until dissolved.
8. Let cool, then store in the refrigerator.

red bell pepper, mint leaves, gin, lime juice, simple syrup

Taken from www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/the-portland-cooler-388312 (may not work)