New cocktail.

This morning I was intending to make a Bebbo from Ted Haigh's Vintage Cocktails and Forgotten Spirits. However I did not have lemon and it is a dark and stormy morning. So did a quick survey of what I had. I decided what I really wanted was to take some of key ingredients of the Bebbo and put a spin on it. Or rather make a  fizz. As with always my cocktails err on the sweet side. So I toned it down.

I call this cocktail Honey Bee Fizz.

Ingredients:
2 tsp honey
one egg white
2 oz Gin
1 oz Lillet
1 oz orange juice
Club soda
a splash of lime juice

Steps:
1. Heat honey in microwave for a one minute.
2. Add egg white, gin, lillet, orange juice and lime jucie to shaker.
3. add honey
4. Dry shake vigorously for a minute.
5. Add ice.
6. Shake again for minute.
7. Pour into cocktail glass.
8. Add club soda
9. Enjoy.

Tasting notes: This drink tastes mostly of honey, orange and gin. After a few sips I can taste the lillet. But mostly honey and gin. My sense of smell isn't very good right now. I still have cold. But I like what I can taste and I think I will make this drink again. The fizz is dying down now. I think the lillet helps to marry the flavors. I'm not sure.

Gin: A cure for what ailes ya

Lots of people dislike gin, they say: "It tastes like a pine tree". At one time I was one of those people. I had limited experience with gin and I suppose the gin I had wasn't very good. I didn’t know what I was missing. Old Mother ruin as it was called in England had lots in store for me. At the coaxing of some good natured souls on the chow spirits board I bought a bottle of Boodle’s gin. At first I was flummoxed. Then I sat back and let my nose do the driving. Instead of gulping I tried sipping the cocktail I had made (gin, lemonade and chambord). I sniffed it let the botanicals work their magic, I could smell coriander and other spices. When I sniffed I could taste them sparking on my tongue. It was very good night. I experimented. Gin and I are now best friends. Right now I’m enjoying Gin, angostura bitters, and lemonade.  I am very sick but this cheers the soul. I’m glad I have it with me. If you want a sophisticated cocktail that actually tastes like something gin it will do you a world of good.