Gin Twist

Saint Ronan’s Well, Sir Walter Scott, 1823

1 part gin

1 part fresh lemon juice

Splash of simple syrup

2 parts boiling water

Place the gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup in a mug and pour the boiling water over the mixture.

Stir to combine and enjoy.

“Then,” said the Captain, “Sir Binco, I will beg the favour of your company to the smoking room, where we may have a cigar and a glass of gin-twist; and we will consider how the honour of the company must be supported and upholden upon the present conjuncture.”

The smoking room, or other such suitable chamber, was a time-honored place in the nineteenth century, where the men-folk could go and discuss weighty matters of the world, most often with smoking and alcohol. Brandy, Scotch, and many other drinks were on offer, though in this case, the drink of choice is the Gin Twist. This classic cocktail blends gin, lemon juice, syrup, and hot water into a warming drink that would be welcome on chilly nights. Cigars and insufferable discussions of current affairs not required.