Police & Thieves Cocktail: A Sunny Escape in a Glass

There’s a particular memory I cherish from my early days bartending in the city. It was a sweltering summer evening, the kind where the air hangs thick and heavy. A regular, usually a scotch drinker, surprised me by ordering something “bright and cheerful.” I instinctively reached for the ingredients to make what I remembered as “Frank’s famous gin concoction” from my time working at another spot in the East Village. As I handed him the finished Police & Thieves, the look on his face was pure delight. The pineapple aroma, the zesty grapefruit, the warmth of the cinnamon – it was like bottling sunshine. From that moment on, it became my go-to for anyone seeking an instant mood lift.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time (Cinnamon Syrup): 15 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours 5 minutes (includes cinnamon syrup steeping time)
• Servings: 1 drink
• Yields: 1 drink
• Dietary Type: Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free

Ingredients

• 2 ounces gin
• 1⁄2 ounce cinnamon syrup (see recipe below)
• 1⁄2 ounce fresh pineapple juice (see instructions)
• 1⁄2 ounce fresh lime juice
• 1⁄4 ounce fresh grapefruit juice

For the Cinnamon Syrup:

• 1 cup water
• 1 cup sugar
• 5 cinnamon sticks

Equipment Needed

• Cocktail shaker
• Fine-mesh strainer
• Measuring jigger or cups
• Small saucepan
• Resealable container

Instructions

1. Prepare the Pineapple Juice: Select a ripe pineapple. Cut off a 2- to 3-inch chunk of fresh pineapple. Muddle the pineapple chunk in a shaker or sturdy glass until it releases its juices. Strain the muddled pineapple through a fine-mesh strainer directly into your measuring cup or jigger to obtain approximately 1/2 ounce of fresh pineapple juice. This straining step is essential to remove any pulp and ensure a smooth cocktail.
2. Make the Cinnamon Syrup: Combine 1 cup water and 1 cup sugar in a small saucepan. Warm the mixture over medium heat, stirring continuously until the sugar is completely dissolved. Do not allow the mixture to boil at this stage; you simply want to dissolve the sugar effectively.
3. Infuse the Syrup with Cinnamon: Break up 5 cinnamon sticks into smaller pieces and add them to the syrup. Increase the heat to medium-high and bring the syrup to a boil, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
4. Steep the Cinnamon: Remove the saucepan from the heat, cover it tightly, and let the cinnamon sticks steep in the syrup for 1 to 2 hours. This allows the cinnamon flavor to fully infuse into the syrup. The longer the steeping time, the more intense the cinnamon flavor will be.
5. Strain and Store: After steeping, strain the syrup through a fine-mesh strainer set over a resealable container. This will remove the cinnamon stick pieces, leaving you with a smooth and flavorful cinnamon syrup. Refrigerate the syrup for up to 1 week. This syrup can be used in various cocktails and other recipes.
6. Chill Your Glass: Place a coupe glass in the freezer or refrigerator to chill while you prepare the cocktail. A chilled glass helps maintain the drink’s temperature and enhances the overall drinking experience.
7. Combine Ingredients: In a cocktail shaker, combine 2 ounces gin, 1⁄2 ounce cinnamon syrup, 1⁄2 ounce fresh pineapple juice, 1⁄2 ounce fresh lime juice, and 1⁄4 ounce fresh grapefruit juice.
8. Shake Vigorously: Fill the cocktail shaker with ice. Seal the shaker tightly and shake vigorously until well chilled, about 12 seconds. This ensures the drink is properly mixed and chilled.
9. Double-Strain into the Chilled Glass: Double-strain the cocktail into the chilled coupe glass. Double straining involves pouring the cocktail through both the shaker’s built-in strainer and a fine-mesh strainer to remove any ice shards or small pieces of fruit pulp, resulting in a smoother, more refined cocktail.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• Pineapple Juice Perfection: For the best flavor, use fresh, ripe pineapple. If you want to make a larger batch of pineapple juice, blend chopped pineapple in a blender and then strain thoroughly.
• Cinnamon Syrup Intensity: Adjust the steeping time of the cinnamon sticks to control the intensity of the cinnamon flavor. For a subtler flavor, steep for only 1 hour; for a bolder taste, steep for the full 2 hours.
• Gin Selection Matters: The gin you choose will significantly impact the final flavor of the cocktail. A London Dry gin will provide a classic, juniper-forward profile, while a more floral or citrus-forward gin can add complexity. Experiment to find your favorite.
• Batching for a Crowd: This recipe can easily be scaled up to serve a larger group. Simply multiply the ingredients by the desired number of servings. However, avoid shaking more than two drinks at a time to ensure proper chilling.
• Ice Quality: Use good-quality ice. The purer the ice, the less it will dilute your drink.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve the Police & Thieves immediately after preparing it in a chilled coupe glass. Garnish is optional, but a small pineapple wedge or a lime wheel can add a visual appeal.

The cinnamon syrup should be stored in the refrigerator in a sealed container for up to one week. The cocktail itself is best consumed immediately and is not suitable for long-term storage. The fresh juices will degrade, and the carbonation will be lost if stored.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	300 kcal	15%
Total Fat	0g	0%
Saturated Fat	0g	0%
Cholesterol	0mg	0%
Sodium	5mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate	40g	13%
Dietary Fiber	0g	0%
Sugars	38g	76%
Protein	0g	0%

Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.

Variations & Substitutions

• Tiki Twist: Embrace the tiki vibe fully by adding a dash of allspice dram or a few drops of Angostura bitters.
• Spice It Up: For an extra kick, muddle a small piece of fresh ginger along with the pineapple.
• Gin Alternatives: While gin is the traditional base, you could experiment with a light rum or even a blanco tequila for a different flavor profile.
• Cinnamon Syrup Variations: Infuse the cinnamon syrup with other spices like cloves, star anise, or cardamom for a more complex flavor.
• Seasonal Fruit: Substitute the pineapple juice with other seasonal fruits like mango or passion fruit during the summer months.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I use store-bought pineapple juice instead of fresh?
A: While fresh pineapple juice is highly recommended for its superior flavor, you can use store-bought pineapple juice in a pinch. Look for 100% pineapple juice with no added sugar.

Q: How long does the cinnamon syrup last?
A: The cinnamon syrup will last for up to one week when stored properly in a sealed container in the refrigerator.

Q: Can I make this cocktail without a shaker?
A: If you don’t have a cocktail shaker, you can use a jar with a tight-fitting lid. Make sure the lid is secure before shaking vigorously.

Q: What kind of gin is best for this cocktail?
A: A London Dry gin is a classic choice, but you can also experiment with other types of gin, such as those with floral or citrus notes.

Q: Can I make a non-alcoholic version of this drink?
A: Yes! Substitute the gin with a non-alcoholic gin alternative or simply replace it with more pineapple juice or a splash of sparkling water. You may need to adjust the sweetness level to your preference.

Final Thoughts

The Police & Thieves cocktail is more than just a drink; it’s a mini-vacation in a glass. The blend of tropical pineapple, zesty citrus, and warming cinnamon creates a truly unique and unforgettable flavor experience. Don’t be afraid to experiment with the recipe to make it your own. Whether you’re hosting a tiki party or simply looking for a delicious and refreshing cocktail to enjoy after a long day, I encourage you to give this recipe a try. Let me know what you think, and happy shaking!