Ruby Red Gin Quencher

I have been lucky enough to be asked by Waitrose Cellar and Hendrick’s gin to develop a cocktail. There were two categories – hot or cold cocktails featuring gin. Fortunately for me I was assigned the chilled cocktail. I’m not the biggest fan of hot alcohol and would struggle to create one – however, I will test the recipes submitted for the challenge, as you never know I might change my mind after the right drink! Actually I was not the biggest gin connoisseur – but then again I’d only really drunk it as gin and tonic in the occasional pub or bar, which most probably didn’t use any premium gin. And I know the premium brands such as Hendrick’s offer much more reward in terms of flavour and refinement. This challenge has indeed opened my eyes. Hendrick’s gin is a flavoursome, fresh feeling, cucumber and rose-tinged delight. So, with my complimentary bottle of fine gin, I’ve spent a highly enjoyable festive season playing around with possible flavour combinations. I had initially thought of a gin and champagne-based cocktail as suitably celebratory for the festive season, but I found the combination too confused. Was it a cocktail? Was it a flavoured fizzy wine? That idea was quickly shelved. I am always a fan of using ingredients that most people are likely to have at home, rather than unusual additions that can only be sourced online or in very specialist shops. Clementines seemed a suitable choice as I’m sure most people have a few specimens hanging around in the fruit bowl after Christmas. Pomegranate may not be particularly everyday but does have a lovely festive red colour and is quite ‘now’. As it turns out it’s a really pleasant combination to use those two fruits and works equally with or without the gin. They are both on the sweet side, particularly as I have used a dash of grenadine so this needs a little balancing with lemon juice, and it’s mighty refreshing. Ice brings it all together. In the end I think my ruby red gin cooler is quite a stunner of a cocktail – fruity, quenching, fizzy, tangy and a bit sweet. Bottoms up and a Happy New Year to all!

Ruby Red Gin Quencher For each cocktail

• 1 measure (10ml) Hendricks gin
• 1 measure (10ml) grenadine syrup
• 2 measures (20ml) pomegranate juice
• Juice of 2 clementines
• Measure of lemon juice (to taste)
• Lemonade to top
• handful of ice

– Fill a glass with ice

– Pour in the gin (if using), pomegranate juice and clementine juice

– Add the measure of lemon juice, stir

– Pour in the grenadine down the edge of the glass so it settles at the bottom of the drink

– Top with lemonade, and adorn as you wish.