I merged the existing "Self-Starter" into this. I posted this first version, but it does have as good attribution, and incorrectly had twice the gin (2 oz).

Good, but I noted others concerns about the amount of sour, shared the sentiment, and used 5/8 to 3/4 oz of lime juice to balance it, which worked much better than I anticipated. I am leaning toward rating 3.5/5 but will round up. The only other sub was Bitter Truth Grapefruit bitters. I shook this one *hard* to muddle the ripe sliced strawberry, and was rewarded with a peachy pink drink--unlike the photo which is disturbingly absent of color. The funky rich molasses of the rum was the dominant flavor, but the ginger, vanilla, lime sour, grapefruit bitter, spices, and strawberry all came through. I chose to forego the big ice sphere, and that helps since the flavor becomes more intense as the drink warms. Overly chilled sour cocktails bury the flavors of the ingredients, while the acidity comes through without being moderated by the sugar as much as one would expect.

Agree on cutting back the lime to .75

The dram is heavy: a somewhat cliche profile.

Curated to replace dead link with Wayback Machine archive link.

GREAT introduction to sloe gin, which is was new to me. Using a good-quality sloe gin makes the drink, so I don't think you can replace the Plymouth Sloe Gin. It's easygoing but still very delicious, without being overly sweet or citrus-heavy. Doesn't taste like a lot of other drinks. Oh, and I used a Herbsaint rinse instead of authentic absinthe, but it worked great.