Honeymoons

~ White House Red Door

Happy Valentine’s Day! As you start your romantic (or not so romantic) evening, why not kick it off with this vintage cocktail, the Honeymoons? Definitely a cocktail- made of gin, lemon, mint, sugar, and plenty of ice; and vintage in my eyes, as this recipe was written in my grandmother’s hand and passed to my mother probably in the 1960s or 70s. I don’t know where my grandmother got the recipe or the name. Did she invent it? I wish I knew… a Google search revealed that there is a vintage cocktail known as a “Honeymoon” but it is nothing like this recipe.  This drink is very refreshing! Tart, crisp, and bright with a touch of sweetness. Have you ever had a Tom Collins? The Honeymoons reminds me of a Tom Collins, but without the splash of soda water. I made it exactly as my grandmother directed, with a teaspoon of fine sugar. I love tart and sour drinks, but next time I’ll make a sugar syrup to ever so slightly better mellow the tartness. It would be the perfect cocktail to hand to your guests on a hot summer night, not exactly Valentine’s Day weather in the Northern Hemisphere, but with a name like Honeymoons I think an exception can be made. Enjoy!  

Honeymoons

  • Servings: 1 drink
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Ingredients:
3 Tablespoons gin
3 Tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon finely chopped and bruised mint leaves
1 teaspoon superfine sugar
plenty of ice

Instructions:
Pour gin and lemon juice into a shaker. Add mint and sugar, stirring to dissolve sugar. Add ice and shake well. Pour into a tall glass and enjoy.

  

25 thoughts on “Honeymoons”

  1. I KNEW there was a reason I’ve been nurturing that mint plant in the kitchen …. thank you – how can I resist something handed down in your grandmother’s hand – it adds a poignant dimension to the name which I will share with my husband later when the sun goes down 🙂

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    1. Thank you, Cameron! Maybe you could try substituting water for gin and making it as a tart lemonade with mint? Good for you for tee totaling! I know you’ve written how much the decision has benefitted you mentally and physically. I know you are inspiring others with your healthy choices!

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  11. This was a lovely Valentines Day post, with a fine recipe and I may try to substitute white rum. I am not a gin drinker. So, this is a Tom Collins and then it may become a Rum Collins? Not sure about the name but I have this delicious recipe now on my phone! Smiles, Robin

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  12. It does look a very refreshing drink, and ideal for a summer’s evening, as you say. But it could be equally refreshing on a cosy night indoors on a cold, February night. The tall glasses are ideal for giving that celebratory look. Your grandmother was an inventive lady with her recipes. It’s great that you have her wonderful recipe book.

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