Chances are when you think of The Pierre, New York, which is celebrating its 80^th anniversary this year, the thoughts run to the things one associates with an iconic New York City luxury hotel: elegant doormen, black-tie galas and an amazing concierge team. What might not come to mind -- especially in a bustling city like New York -- is an emphasis on environmental friendliness (the incredibly comfortable beds are made from recycled steel and bamboo fibers) and local, seasonal fare in the restaurants. But that’s just what is found in the hotel’s Le Caprice with new chef Ed Carew (who changes the menu weekly based on what’s in season) and in the Pierre’s Two E Bar & Lounge. 

Two E’s seasonal offerings run both to food and cocktails, most recently including a watermelon salad (left, featuring local goat cheese) and a cocktail called the Gin Gin that features ginger, cucumber, mint and lime. It was originally created as a seasonal cocktail for Fashion’s Night Out in 2009 but was so popular it became part of the standard menu and is still one of their best sellers.

Even better, they were kind enough to send along the recipes (click "read more"). Enjoy!

Watermelon Salad

Fresh watermelon

Crumbled Upstate Farms goat cheese

Cracked pepper

Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Balsamic vinegar 

Gin Gin

1 oz. Hendrick’s Gin

1 oz. Canton Ginger Liqueur

1/2 oz. Fresh Cucumber and Mint Puree

1/4 oz. Lime juice

Ginger ale to top

Garnish with a cucumber slice