James (Re)Discovers a Perfect Cocktail
Oh dear, it's a dark picture, but you can just make out the Hendricks Gin label, can't you?
James needed to unwind.
It had been a very hard day, and the walk on the beach had not helped ease the tension in his muscles or his mind.
Despite our biannual mai tai party madness, we’re not heavy drinkers … we rarely reach for alcohol to soothe troubled thoughts. But this day, James’ thoughts turned to the bottle of Hendrick’s Gin I’d given him for his birthday.
We had fresh English cucumbers in the refrigerator (grown on the Big Island), a little creme fraiche, and caviar. “I’m making myself a cocktail and hors d’oeuvres,” he decided.
And he didn’t tell me about it. I was just downstairs, furiously editing a new edition of the Dog Cancer Survival Guide (my apologies to Dr. Dressler, but it’s not the happiest of subjects) and yet … James didn’t think to include me in his very classy, grown-up, throwback-to-a-more-elegant-time cocktail hour.
Hmmmph.
I found out only by coincidence–a notification came in from Facebook with the photo you see to the left.
When I raced upstairs, I found the little cucumber slices nibbled and the cocktail gone. One glass, lone cucumber slice stuck to the rim…
… and a very, very, very relaxed husband. Who smiled at me and said:
“When’s the last time you had a gin and tonic? I’d like to make you a Hendrick’s gin and tonic.”
All was forgiven after the first sip.
If you have never had a Hendrick’s gin and tonic, it is worth your time to make one (and certainly worth the minimal effort). We laugh out loud at their marketing ploy “only the most unusual enjoy this gin.” It’s over the top, and yet, strangely effective. While we know that many enjoy this gin, we still feel special and in-the-know.
It’s flavored with cucumbers and roses, and really is lovely. Light, delicate, but firm in its taste convictions.
We’ve found it at Hawaii Liquor Store and Whole Foods Market on Maui, for similar prices (and actually a little bit cheaper at Whole Foods, just under $30).
Not a typical tropical drink, but with a splash of tonic water from Whole Foods (which makes the best tonic), and a slice of cucumber, truly refreshing. Highly recommended. Whether you’re on Maui or in Minnesota (ummm, sorry about the snow).
