What to do with a Friday evening in
This week has been full of preparations for Christmas. There have been rehearsals, Christmas Shopping, Christmas decor finding (and then repacking in the hope of a move pre-advent), and last night; Christmas Cocktail Making!
My 2020 'bubble' friend S joined me on the sofa last night as we took part in a Christmas Cocktail Masterclass with Craft Gin Club. I am very glad for her company, there was no way I'd have managed to drink all 4 cocktails alone and, it's more fun with friends anyway. Plus S came up with a great housewarming party theme of 'Cocktails & Cake'!
I was delighted by the parcel that arrived from Craft Gin Club. I've loved receiving their Subscription packages and this was even more enticing!
Miniature bottles, a mini cocktail shaker, garnishes, and honey! All I needed to provide was the ice, raspberries, fresh lemon, and an egg (although S and I decided to give that addition a miss). CGC also provided handy little recipe cards and a link to watch back if we want to make again - which we most certainly will!
First up we made an Elderflower 75. This used St Germain, which I can't believe I have never tried. I am definitely a convert, the bottle is right up my street (french art deco) and the taste is divine. I am not usually a fan of prosecco but this worked for me! St Germain is going straight on my letter to Santa and I hope it will be in my stocking because this is definitely a Christmas Breakfast successor to Bucks Fizz.
Next up we had a Velvet Espresso Martini, I knew just with a glance at the ingredients that this would be a firm favourite and it certainly was! I think both of us loved this one the most. I am a big lover of a Christmas Disaronno tipple, but I have never tried the Velvet. It was beautiful! This will be my go-to evening drink for Christmas, and maybe advent too!
Thankfully before moving on, we had an entertainment break provided by CGC. We had already found out some facts about the cocktails we had made, but now it was time to enjoy them!
We were then intoiduced to the Cranachan Fizz. This yses anibst other ingredients, Avallen Calvados. This is a crisp apple, sustainable spirit, that mixes wonderfully with gin. I loved the raspberry colouring of this cocktail, and the Calvados was very refreshing. I think however after such a sweet cocktail previous to this, I didn't enjoy it as much as I think I would if it was stand alone. S however loved it - she must have a better palate than me!
We ended the evening with the Pink Sloe Gin Spritz. S describes it as very Christmassy! I wasn't sure of it, and I'm tempted to see how it fares if I substitute the soda water for prosecco! It didn't however stop me from drinking my share of it!
All in all, it was a really good evening, and we've made plans to do it again with a bigger group - really making a night of it!
It's odd to think that two years ago, we wouldn't have thought of sitting in our front room with Zoom Entertainment! Two years ago, I didn't even know S - it was the pandemic that meant we got to know each other. Two years ago, I thought I'd never be able to move out of this home, and hopefully, very soon, I will. There is a lot to be thankful for
Which do you think would be your favourite out of the four cocktails? And what do you think of the idea for a Cocktails & Cake Housewarming? - L
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