Cocktail Friday: Gin & Tonic

One of my favorite cocktails is the classic gin & tonic. It isn't fussy or complicated and it always makes me think of sitting outside in the sun, leaves rustling in the trees overhead and birds darting back and forth in the blue skies. There is something so wonderful and peaceful about these first few weeks of spring and early summer. Everything is new and fresh, just begging to be enjoyed. Kind of like a gin & tonic, yes?

A good G & T starts with a good quality tonic water. I didn't used to feel like the difference was great enough to warrant anything but the typical grocery store brand. While there is nothing inherently wrong with using what's most available, I find searching for something of better quality results in a less sugary, subtle flavor allowing the gin and lime juice to shine through. On that note, make sure you use a good gin. My favorites are Heritage Distilling's Elk Rider Gin & Prairie Gin.

I've mentioned before that having a few crunchy, salty bites during cocktail hour and sweet potato chips are at the top of the list. Their lovely color and light crispness works beautifully with a light, refreshing gin & tonic. I've also been known to enjoy a few classic potato chips...the saltier the better! I know- I'm judging myself a little too. But everything in moderation, right?

Gin & Tonic

Serves 1

Ingredients

• 2 oz gin
• 1 oz tonic water
• 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
• lime wedges for garnish

Instructions

1. Fill a short cocktail glass with ice.
2. Add the gin, tonic water, and lime juice.
3. Stir gently to combine.

Grilled Ham & Cheese + Sriracha-Lime Aioli

After hosting Easter brunch this past weekend I was a little off my game. I made a simple grilled cheese sandwich for Riley's lunch today and burned it on one side. Things just didn't flow the way they normally do. I'm chalking it up to peeling too many eggs for my miso deviled eggs. It takes a toll on a person. I'm going to take it easy for a couple of days before delving back into serious cooking, most likely taking advantage of the days and days of leftover ham and cheesy hashbrowns we have in the refrigerator.

My favorite way to use leftover ham (or turkey, or chicken, or anything else that makes even a little sense between two slices of bread) is a grilled cheese sandwich. Is there anything more classically comforting than a grilled ham & cheese sandwich? You just can't go wrong. Perfectly toasted, buttery bread surrounding gooey cheese, salty ham, and a smear of spicy Sriracha ailoi studded with lime zest. That is what's happening here. And it is amazing.

Let's talk about the aioli for a minute. I almost didn't call it aioli because it's not made in a traditional way. Instead, I made a healthier version with Greek yogurt. I found that at least a little mayonnaise was necessary to achieve that creaminess aioli is known for, but generally 2% or full-fat Greek yogurt makes an excellent substitute. Aioli is also typically made with a heavy hand of garlic, but since Sriracha is already so full of garlic flavor I decided not to add extra. In place of lemon juice? Lime zest. So, for those purists out there, I do realize this is not traditional aioli but we're just going to call it that for now.

Grilled Ham & Cheese + Sriracha Aioli

Serves 1

Ingredients

• 2 slices white or wheat bread
• 2 slices sharp cheddar cheese
• 2 slices smoked ham
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature
• 2 tablespoons Sriracha-lime aioli
• 1/3 cup 2% or full-fat Greek yogurt
• 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon Sriracha sauce
• Zest of 1 lime

Instructions

1. Begin by heating a cast iron or another heavy pan over medium low heat. I like cast iron because of the even heat and the picture perfect crust that forms on the outside of the bread.
2. While the pan is heating, spread 1 tablespoon of the butter on one side of each slice of bread making sure the butter reaches all the way to the very edge.
3. Melt the remaining butter in the heated pan and, once it has melted, place one slice of bread, buttered side down, in the pan and spoon 1 tablespoon of the Sriracha-Lime Aioli onto the non-buttered side.
4. Place a layer of cheese on the bread, followed by a layer of ham, and another layer of cheese.
5. Spread the remaining Sriracha-Lime Aioli on the remaining slice of bread (on the side without butter) and place on top of the sandwich. Press down on the sandwich slightly.
6. Allow the sandwich to cook for about 5 minutes per side, watching the heat carefully and adjusting as necessary.
7. Once the cheese is nicely melted and the bread is a deep golden color (mine looks especially dark because I used whole wheat bread) transfer it to a cutting board and let it sit for 2-3 minutes before cutting in half. Are you a triangles kind of person or a rectangles kind of person? I went with triangles.

Cocktail Friday: Cilantro Lime Gin Fizz

I'm really good at over-thinking. I take something that should be simple and muck it up with a bunch of complicated nonsense. I'm going to go ahead and keep believing that I'm not totally strange for doing this. Do you over-think? Maybe just a little?

Please say yes.

Today, I'm choosing to think a little less. It'll be a day to clean my mental slate and appreciate the mundane daily tasks that require little thought or planning. Perhaps when the day has ended I'll be able to put my feet up and sip on this fresh cilantro-lime gin fizz. Yes, I think that's just the kind of day I need.

Whether you need a break from all of the thinking or you are looking to scare away the winter blues, this cocktail is the perfect way to begin the weekend. The recipe is simple, resulting in a clean-tasting cocktail offering a hint of summer in these cold winter months. Even for a winter-lover like me, taking a moment to remember the greener days to come is a welcome escape.

Cheers and TGIF!

Cilantro Lime Gin Fizz

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon cilantro leaves, firmly packed
• Juice from 1/2 a lime
• 1/2 teaspoon honey
• 1 1/2 oz gin
• 3 oz club soda

Instructions

1. In the bottom of a Collins glass, muddle the cilantro with the honey and lemon juice.
2. Fill the glass to the top with ice, then add the gin.
3. Stir with a stir stick to fully incorporate the honey into the gin.
4. Top with the club soda.
5. Serve with a stir stick and garnish with cilantro leaves and a lime wedge.