The Beautiful Red Bell is a red bell pepper and gin cocktail that originated at Manifesto, a modern speakeasy in Kansas City, Missouri. Though the bar has since closed, this lively cocktail recipe remains.
If you enjoy garden-fresh flavors and gin-based drinks like a Gimlet or Bee’s Knees, you’ll appreciate this recipe. Muddled red bell pepper and basil soften the piney edge of gin, while fresh lime juice and a touch of simple syrup or agave add balance. The result is bright, slightly sweet, and surprisingly light.
I first encountered this charming cocktail while visiting friends in 2011. A friend recommended Manifesto and insisted I try their favorite, The Beautiful Red Bell. We slipped in through an unmarked door, descended into a candlelit space, and tasted cocktails that felt both elegant and approachable. Though I was skeptical about gin, that first sip won me over, and I resolved to recreate the drink at home.
While that evening was in winter, this cocktail truly shines in summer when basil and bell peppers are at their peak. This version is likely close to the original at Manifesto and captures the drink’s refreshing character. Try it and adjust to your taste.
Beautiful Red Bell Cocktail
- Author: Kathryne Taylor
- Prep Time: 5 mins
- Total Time: 5 mins
- Yield: 1 cocktail
This refreshing summer cocktail blends red bell pepper, fresh basil, gin, lime, and a hint of sweetness. The combination is bright, herbaceous, and perfect for warm evenings.
Ingredients
Per cocktail
- ⅓ of a medium red bell pepper, sliced into two-inch strips
- 5 to 6 fresh basil leaves
- ½ lime, juiced
- 1½ ounces gin
- ½ to 1 teaspoon agave nectar or simple syrup
Instructions
- In a cocktail shaker, combine the red pepper slices, basil leaves, and lime juice. Muddle thoroughly until the bell pepper is fully broken down and no longer crisp.
- Add the gin, agave nectar (or simple syrup), and plenty of ice. Secure the lid and shake vigorously until well chilled.
- Double-strain into a chilled martini glass or coupe to remove solids. Serve immediately and enjoy.
- Category: Cocktail