Back to the booze – my first drink will be…

The end of Lent is just a few hours away and I’ll be leaping off the wagon and guzzling as much hooch as I can get my trembling hands on as the clock strikes 12.

I’ve agonised over what to have for my first drink. It’s a choice that needs to taken with care, as I’ve spoiled the moment for myself in previous years.

I’ve decided it must be a cocktail, a big hit of alcohol, but at the same time something mysterious and memorable.

As the pips go this year, I’ll be raising a glass of Sugar and Spice. A curious receipe that appeared in the pages of the Gazette this morning and seems fated to be the one.

The recipe, which comes from Rick’s Bar in Edinburgh is

50ml Tanqueray Gin

One handful of red grapes

3-4 Sage leaves (yes sage)

200ml lemon juice

200ml sugar

tonic water.

Squeeze and drop the grapes into a shaker, rip sage leaves and add all ingredients except tonic. Shake with ice, pour all ingredients including ice into a long glass and top up with tonic water. Garnish with grapes and sage leaves.

I’ll let you know how it tastes. In the meantime, cheers and have a happy Easter.