Quarantine has seen the eruption of many new hobbies; be it running, baking, meditation or even perfecting your headstands. However, the revitalising of one particular hour of the day has been a personal highlight. Cocktail Hour.
“Is it too early to drink?”, “When is ‘too early’ to drink?”, “Do these rules even still apply?” Questions that many have pondered over the past few weeks. As we enter week seven, if isolation hasn’t taken its toll on you, you truly deserve a medal: you are superhuman! Whilst we mourn the socialising of past at our local watering holes, and pine for a simple pint, these activities can be substituted whilst in isolation. With the additional help from Zoom and FaceTime, you are also no longer restricted to only household members. Taking inspiration from Alice Lascelles’ article in the FT Weekend Magazine on how to concoct the perfect Old Fashioned cocktail, I thought I would take a similar lead.
I would like to point out that I am not advocating drinking, nor promoting it as the solution for dealing with the current times, but for those of us who do enjoy the occasional tipple, please take The Covid-19 Bar Drinks Menu as a little bit of fun.
- Lime Daiquiri. It may only be Monday, but what better way to start the week than a cocktail. This refreshing concoction acts as the perfect cool down to diffuse any tensions that may have already arisen after the first working day of the week. Best served in a martini glass, this simple three ingredient drink is the hidden gem of cocktails. Two-parts white rum, one-part sugar syrup and one-part lime juice. Shaken over ice and then garnished with a wedge of lime. Simple, fast and delicious.
- Wine. Red or white, glass or bottle*, the choice is yours. Whilst the English weather remains as temperamental as ever, this beverage can perfectly accompany a variety of situations. With the recent warmer temperatures, white and rosé are probably most suitable, but red is always apt for a movie night on the sofa. I would recommend red, a large glass of Chianti or Rioja.
- Gin and Tonic. It’s Wednesday, Humpday, the middle of the week. With no signs of going out anytime soon, why not have a little hangover on Thursday? You know the drill, 50ml of gin and top up with tonic water. Slice of lemon or lime if you’re feeling fancy.
- A Pint. In honour of all pub trips past and future. Whilst the widely loved British tradition of a trip to the local pub is temporarily on pause, there’s nothing preventing an attempt to replicate this by pouring yourself a chilled beer. I highly recommend accompanying this with a pub quiz. The Virtual Pub Quiz is my favourite, live on YouTube and Facebook at 20:10 every Thursday evening.
- Tequila. Or any shot really. You’ve reached Friday. Where we would normally be preparing for the weekend, shockingly not much is going to change over the next few days, but maybe you’ll go wild and change your pyjamas! At this point, family, partners, friends, even the dog, whoever it is you’re quarantining with will probably be getting a bit too much. 50ml ought to do the trick. Now how many 50ml you drink is up to you, but always drink responsibly! And ideally not alone.
- Negroni. Saturday Night signifies the return to cocktails, do we dare to have a little dance? Kitchen discos are a family favourite, and we have discovered Negronis are the perfect accompaniment. Consisting of one-part gin, one-part Vermouth Rosso and one-part Campari, stir and pour over ice. Serve in an old fashioned or ‘rocks’ glass, finish with an orange peel to garnish. Something a little different but requiring minimal effort, what more could you want? Actually, don’t answer that.
- Now, personally, I try not to drink on Sunday night, as to start the week fresh. Although water is a bit boring, so I’ve been investigating the world of mocktails. There are plenty to choose from, so I’ll leave this one open to suggestions and let you create your own Sunday Sundowner. However, at this point, I feel compelled to say: anything goes. If you need a glass of wine, go for it, a pint, why not. Take the evening to prepare yourself for the new week and the adventures you’re bound to have around your own house!
*always drink responsibly
© S R D HILL
Not Sophia Loren 