By Phil Ward (Death & Co NYC, 2008)

The Joy Division

Though he created multiple modern classics (most famously the Oaxaca Old-Fashioned) during his tenure at Death & Co, Phil Ward’s simple martini riff has a special place in our hearts. By adding a ½ ounce of Cointreau and a touch of absinthe to a 2:1 gin martini, he created a drink that is bright and herbaceous using common home bar ingredients. Not only does The Joy Division (the “The” is intentional, though often eliminated in the wild) make an excellent Freezer Bar staple, it’s the perfect drink for slow martini sippers, its flavors evolving as the drink warms up.

2 ounces Beefeater London dry gin
1 ounce Dolin dry vermouth
½ ounce Cointreau
3 dashes absinthe
Garnish: 1 lemon twist

Stir all the ingredients over ice, then strain into a couple. Garnish with the lemon twist.