On warm and sunny Sunday afternoons, I can usually be found on my rooftop terrasse reading the New York Times (no, I don’t attempt the crossword) and sipping on a great cocktail. My choice cocktail for summer is a St Vincent. Don’t try to Google it – you will get many variations. And not the right one. I first tried a St Vincent at Cafe Cluny (one of my NY local haunts) and have been hooked on them ever since. (If you haven’t been to Cluny, you really must. I will post a Cluny review another time). The secret to the St Vincent is the Tanqueray 10 Gin – please do not substitute with Vodka – if you don’t like Gin, don’t try this drink (and I am sorry for you).
To make a St Vincent:
- 3 grapefruit segments, cut into small pieces
- 3 leaves of fresh basil
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- 3 ounces Tanqueray 10
- Fresh Ginger
- Ice
In a cocktail shaker, muddle the grapefruit with the ginger, basil and sugar until it makes a thick pulp. Add the gin and ice and shake hard. Pour into a cocktail glass and top with a fresh sprig of basil. Cafe Cluny is located at 284 W 12th St, New York, NY.