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A Gold Medal winner at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition in 2007 and 2008, New Amsterdam Straight Gin is launching nationwide and setting its sights on Manhattan. From the name—a nod to the city's Dutch begin- nings—to the Deco architectural bottle design, the gin aims to capture urban cocktail culture, and a new wave of gin drinkers. The main selling point: a gin so smooth, you can drink it straight. New Amsterdam's recipe mel- lows out the juniper berries, and ever so slightly pumps up the citrus flavors. The re- sult? Less harsh, more silk. To help create buzz in the New York market, New Amsterdam turned to surfer, globetrotter and master mixologist Alex Ott. The Ger- man-born Ott, now based in Midtown, made his own splash in the city for his exotic cocktail menu at Sushi Samba, a favored and fea- tured cocktail bar in Sex and the City. With the series be- hind him, Ott can now focus on what he loves best: being alchemist for the world's most prestigious liquor brands and mix- ing it up for red-carpet events such as the Academy Awards. Ott's interest in botanicals drew him to New Amsterdam, which he says presents a versatile platform for ingredients one typically wouldn't associate with gin. "On the nose, you get what any other gin does for you; but it begins and ends on a citrus note, which is a real positive for gin these days," he said. "When I tasted this, I quickly realized you could do much more with it." Ott complements the spirit's natu- ral botanicals with exotic flavors and unexpected combinations, often throwing in a bit of alternative health advice (his Queens cocktail is easy on the tummy). To wit: his strawberry and basil-based Union Square cocktail, which he also uses as a glaze for baked salmon. And last year's Mojito? Ott gives it a rehab with gin, ginger and lemongrass. And if you're yearning for a Martini, consider Pearl Street, which Ott describes as a honeysuckle Martini and a "good con- verter drink for people who think they don't like gin." "People are getting used to changing their ideas, and that's very exciting for cocktails right now." New Amsterdam in imported by E.& J. Gallo. Alex Ott relaxes in his Manhattan apartment with his cat Penelope. Globe-trotting mixologist Alex Ott offers up the 4-1-1 in the 2-1-2 on New Amsterdam Gin SoHo 2 oz. New Amsterdam Gin Sprig of mint Stem of lemongrass ¼ tsp. ground ginger 1 oz. agave nectar or simple syrup 1 oz. lime juice 2 oz. ginger ale Cut lemongrass into small piece and combine a small palmful into the bottom of cocktail shaker glass; muddle with mint until flavor is released. Add ginger and all other ingredi- ents and shake very hard; strain over ice in a highball glass until glass is ¾ full. Top off with ginger ale. Garnish with a lime wheel that has been spiked with a lemongrass straw. Union Square 2 oz. New Amsterdam Gin 2 strawberries Sprig of basil ½ oz. fresh lime juice ½ oz. fresh lemon juice 1 oz. agave nectar Muddle strawberries with the basil until fully mashed; add all other ingredients and shake with ice vigorously. Strain into a Martini glass and garnish with half of a strawberry. Ott's penchant for savory cocktails is reflected in his choice of fresh ingredients in The Union Square, a strawberry and basil refresher. photos and story by Lana Bortolot Brand Spotlight