Autumn Leaves Cocktail

Intro

In 2016 I did the coolest thing in my life and went on a 3 month round the world trip meeting people in the Koha community. It was amazing and is blogged about extensively on my other blog, Library Matters. The second half of my trip was in USA and I stayed with Brendan from Bywater in Portland. 

We spend one glorious afternoon at an amazing restaurant at the top of a building with the most outstanding views, food and cocktails. We drank 'Autumn Leaves' and I have never been able to replicate it - although this comes close. 

Recipe

• 3/4 oz Wild Turkey rye whiskey
• 3/4 oz apple brandy
• 3/4 oz  vermouth
• 1/4 oz Strega
• 1/4 oz cinnamon bitters
• 1/4 oz Cointreau (optional)

Shake over ice and serve with a twist of orange peel.

Gin Gimlet

Intro

I propose Gin Gimlet as the Summer drink of choice this year. Last year we only had 2 summery days so didn't need one but the previous year we did Margaritas - which, despite containing the devil's liquor (tequila), made for a memorable summer.

Recipe

• 1 part gin
• 1 part Roses lime cordial (up to 3 parts really but I prefer 1:1)
• ice

Mix it up and drink.

Margarita

Intro

Less said about tequila the better. Just remember children: it is not your friend and will leave you dying in a ditch as quick as look at you*.

Recipe

• tequila 1 part
• triple sec 1 part
• lime juice 1 part
• cracked ice

Shake, strain and pour - or not, whatever.

* Also, it is impossible to be sad if you are drinking tequila.