As we were overstocked with lemons, and had also just bought a bottle of Absinthe, tried this one. Went for a bigger splash of Absinthe than just a dash, and a touch more lemon juice (20ml) as my initial taste said 'too sweet!', and it worked just fine. An immediate addition to my favourites list. The faint aniseedy note is what makes this one really stand out from all the many cocktails that use the Bourbon/lemon combo.

Changed it slightly to a golden rum. In fact it was the new golden rum that Aldi just released, so was keen to see if it was close to Havana Club. So I guess I dumbed it down.... but regardless this one came out just fine. I would disagree with it being an aperitif, it's a genuine 'just enjoy it mid evening' type of drink. The grenadine and sugar syrup take away it's 'taste-bud opening' credentials. This is a richly enjoyable cocktail, you don't have to worry about it being 'challenging,' or 'complex'. There's a time and a place, eh?

I do like this cocktail. It needs dilution, the more chilled water you get into it the better it loosens/improves. I'm currently going through a regime of trying to train myself to like the taste of Suze/Gentian, so this cocktail is actually part of a process rather than a personal choice. I guess it is a difficult journey to get past that 'yakky' moment you have with Gentian. But I feel I need to make the effort!!

Didn't find it too sweet, although did shake with a lot of ice for well over 30 seconds. Delicious though. Very drinkable, and it has the wonderful benefit of being easy to make and not containing too many ingredients so you can actually appreciate the individual components. Great drink, and not controversial so will appeal to many.