5 cocktails inspired by classic childhood pastimes

LONDON FOG

Inspired by Monopoly

Monopoly may have originated in the US back in 1935, but it didn’t take long for the game to make its way over to the UK – and it’s been a household staple ever since. Over the years, Brits both young and old have spent many an evening wheeling and dealing with family and friends over a lengthy game or two. And since the British board includes some of the most well-known locations in the Big Smoke, why not mix up this aptly-named tipple for your next gin-soaked game night?

CHESTNUT CUP

Inspired by Conkers

What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you hear the word ‘conker’? After September’s fabulous Gin of the Month, of course, it’s the eponymous game! Surely many of us can fondly recall those days on the playground where we’d pick our foe, string up a few horse chestnuts and strike them against one another until there was only one conker left standing. Well, we may be too old to play this game anymore, but we can definitely whip up a cocktail and raising a toast to the memories instead!

Method:

30ml gin
30ml Campari
30ml lemon juice, freshly squeezed
20ml orgeat (almond) syrup
orange slice, to garnish

Ingredients:

In a cocktail shaker, combine all ingredients. Add a single ice cube and shake well.
Fill a glass with ice cubes and strain the mixture into the glass. Top with crushed ice and garnish with a slice of orange.

COWBOY MARTINI

Inspired by Cowboys & Indians

Cowboys and Indians, cops and robbers… no matter what you call it this is one classic game that’s been around for longer than most of us can remember. High paced and full of excitement, this outdoor game that involved running around outside in teams to this day remains one of the most popular games with children. If you rather sit on the side-lines than get in on the action yourself these days (leave that to the young ‘uns), pour yourself this Cowboy Martini and sit back, relax and supervise instead.

Ingredients:

60ml gin
15ml lemon juice, freshly squeezed
15ml sugar syrup
7 mint leaves
Ice

Method:

In a cocktail shaker, place mint leaves and ice. Add gin, lemon juice and sugar syrup. Shake vigorously. Strain the mixture into a chilled martini glass, top with mint leaves to garnish and serve.

Raspberry Rose Collins

Inspired by Ring a Ring o’ Roses

While many think that the lyrics to ‘Ring a Ring o’ Roses’ refer to the events of the Black Plague, over the years experts have debunked this theory. This innocent children’s rhyme – one of the best know nursery rhymes in the English-speaking world – can be traced back several centuries and variations on the tune and lyrics can be found across many cultures. If you fancy something sweet and rosy, this Raspberry Rose Collins is just the ticket.

Ingredients:

45ml gin
15ml sugar syrup
15ml lemon juice, freshly squeezed
1 punnet raspberries
Soda water

Method:

In a shaker filled with ice, combine gin, sugar syrup, lemon juice and a few raspberries. Shake well, then pour into a Collins glass. Top with soda water and garnish with additional raspberries.

The Cat’s Meow

Inspired by Cat’s Cradle

Before computers and consoles, all you needed was a little bit of string, some dexterity and a mate to have a good time – Cat’s Cradle is proof! Versions of this game of string figures are found in cultures across the globe, and its relative ease and its captivating nature made it something easy to get hooked on. We may have lost the will to twist string into silly shapes, but we’ll have no problem whipping up this a-meow-zing tipple!

Ingredients:

15ml honey syrup (2 parts honey, 1 part water, boiled into a syrup)
20ml lemon juice, freshly squeezed
7ml Malort (or other wormwood-based liqueur)
60ml Old Tom gin
Dash of absinthe

Method:

In a shaker filled with ice, combine all ingredients and shake vigorously. Pour into a glass and garnish with an orange peel, to serve.