The Pairing
The Half Killed, by Quenby Olson
The Reasoning
A dark and brooding murder mystery set in Victorian London – and there are few things more suited to Victorian London than gin and tea! I even busted out a bottle of London gin that I picked up when I was last across the pond for the occasion. Thea, our harried heroine, suffers a great deal under the strain of her abilities as a spiritualist. Tormented by the voices of the dead, unable to find respite even in her sleep… well, it would drive anyone to drink.
The Cocktail
You will need:
- Cocktail Shaker
- Channel or Paring knife
- 5-6 ice cubes
- 1 lemon
- 2 oz strongly brewed, cooled English Breakfast Tea (i.e. one teabag)
- 2 oz gin (Non-Alcoholic Substitute: Omit this Ingredient)
- 1 tsp honey
- Elderflower lemonade or cordial (still and sparkling are both good)
Brew a strong cup of English Breakfast Tea and leave to steep and cool for about half an hour. Using your channel/paring knife, cut a twist of lemon peel and set to one side. Cut your lemon in half and squeeze out 1 tsp of lemon juice.
Take your cocktail shaker and put in the ice, followed by the tea, gin, honey and lemon juice. Shake vigorously and strain into a martini, margarita or coupe champagne glass.
Top up with elderflower lemonade or cordial, and garnish with your lemon twist.
Enjoy! And don’t let the spirits bother you too much. 😉
