In honor of The Queen’s diamond jubilee this weekend, asked my friend Beth to come up with a signature cocktail to mark the occasion. When I initially emailed her about it, I had three requests:
It must be pink and sweet – After all, she is a Granny.It must be slightly sour – 60 years on the throne, y’all.It must have gin – It’s The Queen’s hooch of choice.
Beth, who can make a good stiff drink out of lighter fluid if she had to, came up with something I think you will adore. It’s sweet and sour with a kick – just like The Queen. I call it a Big Liz. The recipe below is in bulk format because you will want to serve it in good company.
BIG LIZ6 cups of seltzer (that’s roughly 3/4 of a 2 liter bottle)1 can of frozen limeade (lemonade works in a pinch)1 jar of maraschino cherries1-2 cups of Gin (more or less to taste)5 dashes of hot saucelimes to garnishMix the frozen limeade, gin, cherry juice and hot sauce together at the bottom of a pitcher, gradually finishing with seltzer. Serve straight or on the rocks. Garnish with lime wedges and cherries on Union Jack cocktail picks.
Don’t like booze? Serving children? Want it extra sweet? Try a Little Lizzy. If you have ever had a cherry limeade at Sonic (holla!) this will taste awfully familiar.
THE LITTLE LIZZY (The kiddo version)1 two liter bottle of lemon-lime soda1 can of frozen limeade (lemonade works too)1 jar of maraschino cherriesMix and enjoy.
***BONUS TRACKS***
PRINCE PHILIP (Sweet with some heat and an iron fist)Mix equal parts Tabasco flavored tequila, cranberry juice and pineapple juice. Shake over ice and serve in a martini glass.
DUCHESS OF CORNWALL (Old fashioned with a touch of sass)Single barrel vintage bourbon with a splash of sparkling lemonade. Garnish with mint.
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| You have to see the collection of portraits over at The Sun. I’m especially fond of these portrait mosaics by Jane Perkins. |
We are very amused and have instructed downstairs staff to whip a batch – post haste
Sounds good except for the gin, I hate gin. Can I use rum?
Thanks so much for the recipes, will definitely try one of these this weekend. Hope you enjoy the celebrations. x
Heck yeah!
I managed to avoid all coverage of the jubilee today. Yay me, wasn’t easy! I actually like the old girl (even though I am what could be described as an anti- royalist). but watching that endless display of union jack- covered salt of the earth types is a lil’ bit too much for me. Will try that cocktail, though, if the old lady is anything like her Mum, anything goes as long as there’s a bit of gin involved. Yum.