We occasionally can imagine ourselves as Lord Grantham at Downton Abbey. Especially the servants bringing us cocktails. No so much all the hassles and drama. So we’re looking forward to the new Downton Abbey movie coming out.
Anyway, Parade magazine just featured some summer cocktails including The English Garden. That recipe is by Fiona, Countess of Carnarvan, who oversees Highclere Castle with her husband The Earl of Carnarvon. She writes books about gardening and cooking and running 300 room castles. But this recipe is from the BBC! (BBCgoodfood.com)
- 5 mint leaves, bruised
- 30ml gin
- 2 tsp elderflower cordial (use more or less, depending on how sweet you like it)
- 2 tsp lemon juice
- large handful of ice
- cloudy apple juice, for topping up
- 1 long strip of cucumber, peeled using a vegetable peeler
- STEP 1 Mix the mint leaves, gin, elderflower cordial and lemon juice together in the bottom of a tall glass using a long-handled spoon.
- STEP 2 Add a large handful of ice, then top up with the apple juice. Stir well, then drop in the strip of cucumber before serving.
Step 3. Get out the lawn chair and signal to the servants!
Cheers!
– Jet Cannon
