Pixie Stick

The Pixie Stick takes its name from Pixy Stix, the paper straws of flavored sugar that kids have been tipping straight into their mouths for decades, and like the candy, it is bright, sweet and not trying to be subtle. Midori and gin go in over ice, 7-Up fills the glass, and a maraschino cherry goes on top. It comes out a vivid, glowing green that looks right at home at a party.

Midori is a Japanese melon liqueur with a sweet honeydew flavor, and it does most of the talking here. An equal pour of gin keeps the drink from tipping into pure candy territory, adding a dry, piney backbone that cuts through the sugar. The 7-Up brings lemon-lime fizz and stretches it into a proper long drink. The older version of this recipe listed a single teaspoon of 7-Up while also telling you to fill the glass with it, so we have gone with a full top-up, which is the only way the drink makes sense.

Glass: Collins glass | Strength: Medium | Serves: 1 | Prep Time: 2 minutes

Bartenders tip: Pour the 7-Up last and give the drink one gentle lift with a bar spoon so the Midori, which is heavy and likes to sink, gets mixed in without knocking out the bubbles. A London dry gin works best because its juniper stands up to the melon. If it tastes too sweet for you, a squeeze of fresh lime brings it right back into balance.