Bitter & Stoned

Quaff: Don’t let the name fool you, the Bitter & Stoned cocktail ($9) from Leon’s Full Service consists of brisk, bright flavors perfect for the sweltering Southern cocktail hour. The “bitter” comes from Cynar, an Italian aperitif liqueur, reminiscent of Campari but made from artichokes, as well as grapefruit bitters. Fresh apricot (“stone” fruit) and ginger liqueur made in-house provides a balancing sweetness, and lemon juice prevents the sweetness from becoming cloying.

Formula:

1 1/2 ounce Beefeater gin

3/4 ounce apricot ginger liqueur

1/2 ounce lemon juice

1/2 ounce Cynar

2 dashes house grapefruit bitters

Mastermind: “There’s a lot of different elements of citrus,” said Miles Macquarrie, Leon’s mixologist. “It’s a super refreshing drink, and just a great palate cleanser.”

Leon’s Full Service. 131 E. Ponce De Leon Ave., Decatur. 404-687-0500. www.leonsfullservice.com.