Cocktails for two: Floradora and Elderflower Collins and a giveaway

• You will be ushered straight into the kitchen.
• You will be offered a cocktail before you have a chance to sit down.
• There will be food. Lots and lots of food. Definitely wine. And most definitely dessert. And cocktails. Did I already mention the cocktails?

We occasionally have visitors who claim not to want, or like, cocktails (you know who you are). This is, naturally, very baffling to us, but I have got a couple of recipes up my sleeve for those rare people. These two cocktails can be drunk without any alcohol in mocktail fashion, but they are also quite light even with booze. If you are ever serving cocktails at brunch these are great candidates.

The Floradora is simply one of the best long drinks to serve on a hot day… It’s reminiscent of the Moscow Mule but with gin instead of vodka. The raspberries turn it a very pretty pinky hue and if you happen to have any Framboise Liqueur* knocking around then adding a splash will make the Floradora even more delicious.

The Elderflower Collins (like any Collins) is definitely a drink for those who don’t like drinking much. It’s very light, very refreshing and can easily be made with either gin or vodka. If you have some St Germain* (and I thoroughly advise you get some if only to make the Red Queen) then add splash but it won’t be a Collins any more if we are being strict about cocktailing.

If you DO like cocktails and also love baking (raising both my hands up!) then you will love Prohibition Bakery* – this book has over 50 recipes for boozy mini cupcakes which you would have to travel all the way to New York to buy. The recipes are quite advanced so if you like a bit of challenge, make sure you enter the giveaway at the end of the post for a chance to win one of three copies.