Peace amongst the pigeons

This seems to be a popular spot in the west end of Edinburgh for sitting and having a chill out during the day. I've never understood why myself. It's right at one of Edinburgh's busiest junctions and, as such, the air is rife with exhaust fumes. Also with less than five minutes walk you can be in the Dean Village or down at the Dean Path which is a real escape from the city centre.

Anyway, on to more important matters I bit the bullet today and went into Amicus Apple to see if they would let me know the recipe for the Gin Cocktail. Fraser who had been making them up was most helpful and passed on the details. It's called a Hendricks Mule and is made as follows:

50ml Hendricks Gin
15ml lemon juice
15ml elderflower cordial
1 slice cucumber (minus the plastic G)
4 mint leaves
ginger beer (they used Schweppes for the one I had)

Muddle the mint and cucumber at the bottom of a highball glass (you can use the end of a rolling pin for this apparently, you really just want to mash them together a bit to release the flavour).

Add the Gin, lemon juice and cordial and stir together well, making sure to get right to the bottom of the glass to mix the mint and cucumber into the liquid.

Add ice to the top of the glass.

Add ginger beer up to the rim.

Stir thoroughly and garnish with a mint sprig.

If you are intending making this cocktail however and you live in or near Edinburgh I'd recommend you heading into amicus Apple on Frederick Street and asking if Fraser can make you one up so you can get an idea of what you are ainimg for.