Cocktail No 90 Opera

Bellissimo! With thanks to my brother Michael and sister-in-law Carole who ensure I am stocked with Maraschino from his base in Napoli. Did anyone else's parent drink Dubonnet back in the 70/80s? Very much out of fashion at present and I had to go to a specialist wine merchants to get a bottle.

A compete change in style to fruity and sweetish, but not cloyingly so. The interplay of the cherries in the Marachino with the herbs in Dubonnet and gin is quite delightful. It tastes very light, almost alcohol free, but don't kid yourrself, this is in the 30% range.

Mild cherry is the predominant flavour, with an earthiness kicking in after a few seconds. Great for a sunny day. Don't miss out the orange peel twist, it definitaly adds extra citrus.

Recipe

2-3 ice cubes
25 ml Birkdale gin
15 ml Dubonnet
15 ml Maraschino
Piece of orange peel

Put all liquids and ice into a shaker and shake well until ice cold. Strain into a cocktail glass. Twist the orange peel to release the citrus oils and drop into the glass.