Ian Lessels

Simon, what would you recommend as a substitute?

It's very simple and really nice. But as John Hinojos says, you've got to like Absinthe! Or it's no go.

Can you tell me how you "express" orange zest? I really don't know what that means.

Just wow! This is really what you want from a cocktail. Everything in perfect balance.

Does this have any relationship with the popular Finnish heavy metal band?

This was really good. Strangely refreshing. But the picture suggests it should look an orange colour. Mine was red, which is what I would expect from that quantity of Grenadine. Did I get something wrong? Well not wrong as it tasted great!

Nice. Sort of like a slightly sweeter Genever Martinez. I was out of orange for garnish, so used a Luxardo cherry, which worked very well.

A luxardo cherry always does seem to work well

I am not sure I will ever drink this. I had the alcohol, cream and ice in the glass shaker and I was stirring. Next a circle of glass pops out of the shaker followed by the alcohol, cream and ice. Its everywhere. So, five minutes later, instead of enjoying a creamy cocktail in an armchair I am on my hands and knees scrubbing. Now that's Aggravation!

Nice drink! Although, given its gin-heavy vibes, it should probably be named for her mother ?

But her mother was also Queen Elizabeth so maybe it is!

I took my first sip with some trepidation. I really wasn't sure how those varied ingredients were going to work but it's a terrific cocktail

This was delicious. Definitely one of those where the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. Would be a good cocktail of the day for Clarence White's birthday on 7 June (Guitarist with the Kentucky Colonels and the Byrds)

I went with vigorously shaken served on the rocks (well one giant ice ball). It is delightful in the proportions given (1 1/2 oz rye to 3/4 oz vermouth and juice, yes, oz because I'm American). The only thing I would try out is to treat it like a sour with some aquafaba (or egg white for those prefer old school) to change the mouth feel and up the foam level to 11.

I'm English, Kevin, but I also prefer ounces. They feel more cocktail-y!

This was great and I didn't have Tagine seasoning. What is that? My wife didn't like it but admitted "it's not bland".

1/2 sprig isn't very S.I.! I used just 1/2 ounce Elderflower and was pleased with the result.

Traditionally in Poland this cocktail is build in the glass (no shaker) putting in order Zubrowka, apple juice and lemon juice without even stirring. It is the Polish equivalent of gin and tonic. I tried the shaker version but it doesn't taste the same. It is served with cinnamon powder and a piece of apple as a garnish.

For the record, tatanka is a rift of a cocktail called Szarlotka (Apple pie) made only with zubrowka and apple juice.

Thanks Ignacy. I tried this your way and I was astonished at how much it improved this cocktail.

This is simple but great. Turbocharged sherry. Obvs you need to like sherry. I think a very good sherry is going to be critical here. We used Williams and Humbert "A Winters Tale".

Made as described, although my almonds weren't toasted (naughty Richard). Very smooth. The Madeira really brings it all together.

I've not used almonds as a garnish but I know when cooking, toasting almonds or pinenuts transforms them and massively increases the flavour

We both really liked this one. It's very classy. I am sure it helps to use homemade marmalade.

A thought here, not specific to this cocktail, but I didnt know where else to put it - It would be helpful midweek to be able to search for non-alcoholic or alcohol free cocktails.

Helen really liked this 05/06/2022