How it tastes
Gin and herbs, in roughly equal weight. The genepi is the part that distinguishes the drink. It's an alpine herbal liqueur, similar to chartreuse but more austere, and it pulls the gin up into the same register. The dry vermouth lightens the load. The elderflower adds a faint floral high note. The absinthe rinse you smell rather than taste. The grapefruit bitters keep the whole thing from feeling too pious. This is the cocktail people order when they want a martini with more conversation.
Why we built it
We started with the question: what would a martini look like if you let it argue with itself? Stronk was the answer. The genepi was the key ingredient that made the rest of the proportions click. The name was suggested by a guest who said the first sip felt "stronk" in a way they couldn't otherwise explain. We kept it.
Where to drink it
On request at Soluble Solids in SS2 Petaling Jaya. We always have the genepi behind the bar, though if we ever run out the bartender will tell you and suggest something close. Reserve a table for a guaranteed seat.