By Seth Hiravy (Death & Co NYC, 2025)

Buckhorn Exchange

Buckhorn Exchange is a Vesper-minded martini variation that swaps vodka for Mosto Verde pisco, trading neutrality for a velvety, fruit-tinged lift. St. George Valley Gin brings a bright California citrus spine—orange, grapefruit, bergamot—plus savory garden botanicals that keep the profile dry and vivid. A teaspoon of Freimeisterkollekti’s Estragon threads in spicy tarragon and a subtle anise snap; Lillet Blanc adds a soft aperitif glow, and a dash of absinthe tightens the outline. Stir it to order as a single drink, or scale it up and batch it as a Freezer Bar cocktail (don’t forget to add 20% water dilution)—either way, it pours ice-cold, bracing, and complex for Martini and Vesper loyalists (with a wink to White Negroni drinkers).

1½ ounces St. George Valley gin
¾ ounce Barsol Mosto Verde Italia pisco
¾ ounce Lillet Blanc
1 teaspoon Freimeisterkollektiv Estragon tarragon spirit
1 dash absinthe
5 drops Salt Solution (see Note)

Stir all the ingredients with ice, then strain into a chilled martini glass. No garnish. 

Note: To make Salt Solution, combine 70 grams water with 30 grams salt and whisk until the salt has dissolved. Refrigerate until ready to use.