Max Pelui

A truly fantastic cocktail; simple but of course unforgettably and reliably complex due to the Chartreuse. I first learnt of this on a visit to the Chartreuse shop/museum/bar in Voiron, France last year when given their recipe leaflet by the bartender. They go 40 gin, 20 yellow Chartreuse and one dash of Angostura with a lemon garnish. I've found 40/12 and one dash of regular and orange Angostura works best for my taste. I urge anyone in France to visit the Chartreuse HQ - a treat to behold.

Tweaked it slightly as no Aperol and as usual subbed a smaller does of Campari (10 ml) but would have actually been better with 15 ml to balance the Orgeat. Upped lime to 20 ml. A simple Tajin is very easy to replicate if again like mine you are missing this; Grate/zest 1 lime onto kitchen paper, transfer to small piece of foil and dry in a very low oven for 20 mins. Then add 1/2 tsp chilli flakes, 1/4 paprika and 1/4 salt. Grind all ingredients together in a pestle and mortar et voila!

As ever one of many Diffordians without *all* the ingredients! Made one last night subbing the Apricot for home made Plum Brandy and it was indeed rather nice. But tonight a repeat, however, this time with some very pleasant Walnut liqueur I picked up in Grenoble over the summer and it makes for a rather lovely sipper for sure.

I had a few of these for the first time on holiday in the med last week. Very pleasant in the still glowing October sunshine. No Aperol at home or to be fair the desire to buy some but a little experimenting led to a more than fair and perhaps even improved Campari sub/gentler Spritz Veneziano if you like. So 125 ml Cava, 30 ml Campari, 40 ml soda and 5 ml Monin (2:1) Cane Sugar Syrup.