Cocktail Hour: Gin Turbo

As you might have guessed, gin's my favourite spirit. And no, it doesn't make me weepy (let's not discuss how white wine makes me feel though). It's versatile, you can buy it anywhere, and it was very popular in my favourite cocktail drinking period, the Twenties and Thirties. Gin Turbo is one of those urban myths where recipes vary to include champagne or even, gasp, a shot of espresso for that true turbo touch, but I think the version I drank last night, by Purl owner Tristan Stephanson, is even better. Purl's recipe is top secret (but highly recommended) but here's a recipe that makes simple and frothy Gin Turbos at home.


You will need:

• Gin
• A lime
• Soda
• Angostura bitters
• Egg whites

Mix together 50ml gin, 20ml lime juice, 10ml soda, egg whites from one egg and a dash of angostura bitters in a cocktail shaker. Shake hard, then pour into a martini glass. The egg whites should form a froth on top, and you can add a twist of lime for a professional touch.

Unfortunately the 'turbo' effects only last for the evening.