Any excuse for a cocktail is a good excuse

It’s been a long year so we’re absolutely fine with any excuse for a summery cocktail (better served in Mud glassware and porcelain of course).

To get us there, we’ve asked our neighbours, Poor Toms distillery, to show us what to shake and stir to see out 2021 and celebrate 2022.

Poor Toms’ Fools Cut Martini

The martini is said to be an evolution of the Martinez. During the Gold Rush in California during the mid 1800’s, a gold miner who had recently struck it rich decided to celebrate his good fortune at a local bar in the town on Martinez. The bartender didn’t have Champagne, and so concocted a new drink with ingredients available: gin, vermouth, bitters, maraschino liqueur and a slice of lemon. The Martinez was born, and later refined to become the Martini.

Ingredients

30ml Poor Toms Fool’s Cut Gin
15ml Dry Vermouth

Method

Add all ingredients to a mixing glass with ice
Chill and dilute to taste
Strain into large tumbler and garnish with either olives or lemon button

Poor Tom's Negroni

The most widely reported version of this drink’s origins is that it was invented at Caffe Casoni in Florence, Italy in 1919. Legend tells that Count Camillo Negroni asked his friend (bartender) to strengthen his favourite cocktail the Americano by replacing soda water with gin.

Ingredients

30ml Poor Toms Sydney Dry Gin
30ml Poor Toms Imbroglio
30ml Sweet Vermouth

Method

Add all ingredients to a mixing glass
Add plenty of ice and stir
Strain into large tumbler with an ice block
Garnish with an orange twist

Poor Tom's French 75

The inspiration for the title was apparently a 75mm Howitzer field gun used by the French and Americans in World War 1. The gun was known for its accuracy and speed, the French 75 is said to have such a kick that it felt like being hit by just such a weapon.

Ingredients

30ml Poor Toms Sydney Gin
15ml Lemon Juice
15ml Sugar Syrup
Top with sparkling wine

Method

Add all ingredients to a shaker
Shake hard with plenty of ice
Strain into a chilled wine cup
Top with sparkling wine
Garnish with a lemon twist