The Love Unit

Name: The Love Unit
Yield: 1 cocktail
Ingredients: 3 red bell pepper rings, sliced 1/4- to 1/2-inch thick; 3 basil leaves; 1 ounce vanilla rum; 1 ounce light rum; 3/4 ounce fresh lime juice; 1/2 ounce fresh grapefruit juice; 1/2 ounce simple syrup

Recipe from Ryan Magarian

Adapted by Pete Wells

Rating: 4(18)
Comments: Read comments

Ryan Magarian, a bar consultant in Seattle, developed a cocktail he calls the Love Unit for the Hyde Lounge in West Hollywood. His clients were deeply skeptical when he told them the Love Unit contains vanilla rum, grapefruit juice, basil leaves and red bell peppers. “Everybody kind of went, ‘No way,’ ” Mr. Magarian recalled. And yet the Love Unit has found a loyal following. —Pete Wells

Featured in: Knock It, Then Try It

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Ingredients

Yield:1 cocktail

3red bell pepper rings, sliced ¼- to ½-inch thick
3basil leaves
1ounce vanilla rum
1ounce light rum
¾ounce fresh lime juice
½ounce fresh grapefruit juice
½ounce simple syrup

Ingredient Substitution Guide

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Preparation

Step 1
In a cocktail shaker gently muddle two bell pepper rings and two basil leaves. Add remaining ingredients. Fill shaker with ice and shake vigorously for 6 seconds.
Step 2
Pour drink through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth into a chilled cocktail glass. Place second basil leaf on palm of one hand and slap it with the other. Float it atop drink. Balance other bell pepper ring on rim of glass.