There are a lot of reasons that Gillian and I are friends. Although we originally met through Twitter, we are now neighbors in Rome and of course proximity breeds friendship. And while we share common interests like food, travel and teenage offspring, our friendship is based on something much deeper.
Yes, I’m talking about cocktails.
So when Gillian hosted Sophie and me in Positano last week, of course she made sure cocktails were on the itinerary.
While I’m usually the one mixing things up, I love it when friends take over. Besides being enjoyable, I always learn something new. Gillian did not disappoint.
She took the basic idea of a Gin and Tonic, and turned it into something very Positano-ish. Lemons of course, but also a lot of fresh basil and slices of cool cucumber.
The addition of super sized ice cubes (courtesy of a gift left by previous house guest Rick) was a nice touch.
So was the incredible view, which I think I’m gonna have a hard time recreating back home.
Gillians Positano Gin + Tonic
2 oz gin (Hendricks is best if you can find it)
1 wedge lemon
1 slice cucumber
3 leafs basil
tonic water
In a rocks glass muddle lemon, cucumber and basil. Add gin. Add ice. Top with tonic water. Stir, garnish and serve.
Preferably while looking out over the Positano bay.
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is it wrong to want one now? it’s probably not breakfast time in australia or something?
Delicious. Refreshing. Gorgeous. A perfect cocktail.
Where can I find super sized ice trays in Rome? I need one!
Rick (Noi Salon) brought the trays. Ask him. Aren’t they great?
That’s got my name all over it. Well, I’d swap out the gin for vodka, but otherwise it’s got my name all over it.
I had asked Gillian if we even had ice trays in the freezer. She sure is a perfect host.
That looks so very refreshing.
I don’t think that I can allow myself to try this. It looks a little too appealing right now!! :0
The only place to find ice in Italy is in an expensive hotel- drives me nuts!
Not true! We have an ice maker right here…
I just sent James out to look for Hendrick’s Gin…………hope he finds it. We have everything else and plenty of ice. Perfect for a steamy summer evening.
Preferably while looking out over the Positano bay ~ e vero!
I just found these ice cube trays on Amazon. Am definitely buying.
http://www.amazon.com/Tovolo-KING-Cube-Trays-Blue/dp/B00395FHRO
Those are the ones we had!
I thought nothing could beat a Negroni. Oh lord, was I wrong! This now enters the summer cocktail repertoire at my house.
Yeah, it’s kind of become our summertime negroni too!
Drinking it, right now, in Portland, Oregon. A perfect drink for a perfect summer day in the Pacific Northwest – thank you, Elizabeth!
— Dennise
My go to G&T is Plymouth + Fever Tree tonic + Angostura + lime + fresh mint + lots of ice.
I will have to try Gillians version soon (sans view, sadly.) It sounds perfect.
Btw, I love the big ice cube idea. Saw that done in tokyo in a sphere.
I had that ice tray. We’re cocktail nerds and have worked with the 4 cube size of this trays. it’s a bit of a fight getting the cubes out, but they are nice big cubes.
Have you ever had a Pinky? An Italian friend introduced us to that during a sweltering Tokyo summer and it had become my summer favorite cocktail. It’s a gin (or vodka) tonic but with a splash of Campari Bitter in it – the tall bottle, not the little ones. Turns it a lovely pink and is a great combination.
Wow! Can’t believe I never heard of that one. I’m going to have to try it immediately. Well, not immediately since it’s only 9am. But this evening for sure.