The Black Thorn Rose from David Slape at PDT is a gin-forward, Martini-esque drink with just a kiss of sweetness from sloe gin and rose syrup.
Slape’s recipe calls for Lillet Rouge, a red wine apéritif that acts as a sweeter twist on vermouth. Dubonnet or Bonal would work well, too. The recipe also calls for Hendrick’s gin, a gin made with rose and other botanicals. It’s a perfect fit, of course – but the drink still has a good deal of charm with a regular ol’ London Dry.