Episode 1 - Slings and Arrows

In our first episode, The Gentlemen of Elegant Leisure introduce themselves and then dive directly in to a Gin Sling circa 1800.

1 tsp of powdered white sugar
1/2 oz of water
2 oz of Hollands Gin (We used Boomsma)
3 ice cubes
Grated nutmeg

Stir with a spoon.

This recipe is adapted from David Wondrich's fantastic book, Imbibe! (Page 186 in the 2nd edition)
We used San Pellegrino water (because that's what we had) and followed his advice to use only 1/2 an ounce of water due to the lower alcohol content of todays booze.  We muddled the powdered sugar with the water before adding the other ingredients.  As Mr. Wondrich points out, if you don't have the fresh nutmeg, don't bother.  The nutmeg adds the big ?!?!? to the drink!

Following that, we journey to Singapore in the early 1900's to sample the Singapore Sling as served by the Singapore Cricket Club.  Again we follow David Wondrich's recipe from Imbibe!

3/4 ounce fresh squeezed lime juice
1 1/2 ounces Gin
1 ounce Cherry Brandy
1/2 ounce Benedictine
A few dashes of Angostura Bitters
Club soda (We used the San Pellegrino)
Ice

Add all the ingredients to a Collins glass and stir briefly.  Mmmmm.  Cricket anyone?

See you next time!