Sally Morgan

Slightly confusing as there's 1/6 melon in the ingredients but 1/8 in the method. I don't suppose it matters too much though and this is a good recipe if you have some melon to use up - light and refreshing a good summer cocktail.

had to do without Tajin which I think would make it even better, but this is a stunner. There's a real smoky taste from the Mezcal which would make this a great pairing to a smoked barbecue. It's definitely getting an outing next time I'm cooking pulled pork.

A great way of showcasing a craft vermouth (I can highly recommend Pembrokeshire's Still Wild Sweet Rosso Vermouth for example) in which case serve straight up to appreciate it at it's best

Oh now I feel bad because this is a Difford original recipe - but I have a feeling this one might work better 'on the rocks'. I loved it right up to the point that it warmed up a bit (I do like to savour my cocktails) and then it tasted to me like flat ginger beer. I'm really sorry Simon this is the first of yours that I haven't completely adored I feel like a bad person.

Everything you could want from a classic cocktail, well balanced.

My mother-in-law's favourite cocktail so I'm unable to be impartial. The Raffles Hotel was closed for refurbishment when she was there but her friend took her somewhere else where apparently they served a much better version. I'd like to think it was like this. Raise a toast to the cocktail drinkers of yesteryear when you drink it - and I recommend you do.

Packs a fruity punch and you can up the ante by substituting the sugar syrup with 10 ml grenadine (or to taste) which helps with the whole 'blood' theme.

Don't worry about the amount of sugar syrup - it's needed to balance the dryness of the alcohols and the sourness of the lemons. Use a decent gin as you'll be tasting it come through nicely (I hope!)

I had no idea genever and apple juice went so well together. Worth getting good apple juice (or juicing your own) for this one.