Recipe

• 3 parts gin

• 2 parts lime cordial (mmm…)

Shake with ice and strain into a cocktail glass (or a wine glass if necessary).

On the hottest day of the year, I was sitting in a garden in Aylesbury and slowly melting.  It was wonderful, but I realised that a cool drink would be excellent, and what better time to try a drink I've heard of so many times before? The result was great – very refreshing and well-balanced.  I actually had to fill the glass with ice, because in the 37°C heat it was just warming up too quickly.   But a little meltwater wasn't a problem in this case (see my ice post).

Note that lime cordial could be replaced with equal parts fresh lime juice and sugar syrup.  I might try this alternative another time to verify that this works.