Cocktail hour

While I was in Stockport visiting Staircase House, I told you I'd treated myself to a little something on the market. You probably hazard a guess it was something crafty, or made of fabric or yarn. Well, for once it wasn't! Instead, the something was a bottle of Rhubarb and Rosehip cordial. Intrigued by all the unusual and delicious-sounding flavours on display, we stopped to have a look at a drinks stall. I'd already pretty much decided to buy a bottle but, what really clinched it for me, was when the owner told us it made a great cocktail.  I just couldn't resist! Ever since the cocktails in Whitby, I've been wanting to have a go at making my own.

Chickpea already had a book on cocktails, so we gathered together all of the bottles of spirits we and my parents had, including the miniatures which I collect to use in cooking, and looked through the recipes to see which we could make. Not many as it turned out, so we substituted some of the ingredients with the nearest equivalent and I did have to buy some rum to give us more variety. The recipes which follow are therefore a mixture of classics, adaptations and some Home Jules originals.

Before we'd tasted all of these different cocktails, I would have said I'd prefer the gin or vodka-based ones whilst Chickpea much prefers rum. After trying them out though, rum has definitely grown on me! Why not give some a try and let me know your favourite? Don't try them all at once though - we made these over several weekends!

All of the cocktail ingredients are for one person. I used the lid of the cocktail shaker as the measure.

Rosy Gin Fizz

1 measure gin
1 measure rhubarb and rosehip cordial

Shake in a cocktail shaker and pour into a cocktail glass. Top up with sparkling water.

Apple and Elderflower Vodka

My own invention using ingredients I happened to have in the cupboard.

1 measure vodka
1 measure apple juice
1/2 measure elderflower cordial
Splash of apple liqueur

Put all of the ingredients in a cocktail shaker with a couple of cubes of ice. Shake and strain into a cocktail glass.

The ingredients make more than is shown but I'd already had a few sips before I remembered to take a photo!

Bee's Knees

1 measure white rum
1/4 measure dark rum
3/4 measure cream
2 tsp honey

Put all of the ingredients in a cocktail shaker with a couple of cubes of ice. Shake and strain into a cocktail glass.

Chickpea couldn't wait to try this one after seeing it in her cocktails book. Delicious and the cream adds a real silkiness to the flavour.

Sloe Mo Apple Turnover

My version of a Sloe Comfortable Screw. The original uses orange juice but I only had apple.

2 measures Sloe gin
2 measures Southern Comfort
2 measures Apple juice
2 measures Vodka

Put all of the ingredients in a cocktail shaker and shake well. Pour into a tumbler and serve with ice.

I'd say this tastes more of the SoCo than the Sloe gin which is a minus in my view. Chickpea commented that you first get the taste of apple and then the alcohol hits you. My least favourite, maybe because it also has the greatest alcohol content.

Honey Bunny

2 measures dark rum
1/2 measure lemon juice
2 teaspoons honey

Put all of the ingredients in a cocktail shaker with a couple of cubes of ice. Shake and strain into a cocktail glass.

My first reaction was 'whoaaaaa!' as the alcohol hit but, after a couple of sips, I liked this one. The lemon really makes a difference even though it contains a relatively small amount.

Warm and Fuzzy

Another Home Jules original, inspired by having half a lime left over from a recipe.

2 measures of white rum
1 measure peach schnapps
1 measure fresh lime juice

Put all of the ingredients in a cocktail shaker with a couple of cubes of ice. Shake and strain into a cocktail glass.

Fresh and fruity. It seems I like rum after all!

And last but not least...

Caribbean Kiss

2 measures dark rum

1 measure Amaretto

1 measure Kahlua

2 measures single cream

1 tsp brown sugar

cinnamon

Put all of the ingredients except the cinnamon in a cocktail shaker with some ice cubes. Shake well and strain into a cocktail glass. Sprinkle with cinnamon.

Chickpea commented: The flavour is layered - at first you get the alcohol and then the flavour of the almond. At first I wondered what was the point of the cinnamon? But then I realised that you get the aroma of the spice as you take a sip and it stays on your lips as you finish.

If I made this again, I think I'd try shaking some cinnamon in with the rest of the ingredients so that the hint of spice comes through in every sip. This was one of my favourites: truly delicious.