Friday Evening- Fun at Home

Friday is finally here! Last week was particularly hectic for me. In fact the weekend didn't even register. Had to work through most of it to make up for the time lost when I was in bed with a bad back. So I am really looking forward to this weekend and some down time. 

In fact I was just thinking how much I love Fridays, as I'm sure most of you who are lucky enough to have a 5-day week do. You're sort of filled with this anticipation, of looking forward to the weekend and all it brings- a chance to catch up with friends, go out for a night out on the town, lazy Sunday mornings, vegetating in front to the TV, and however else you unwind and recharge those batteries. 

Unfortunately most Fridays the hubby ends up working late, but, on those days when he is able to get off work early, we try to do something special and fun. Usually its visiting our favorite pub, Downtown, in Sector 29, Gurgaon. 

A few weeks back Hubby got off work early, but was in no mood to go out. So I decided to have a a cocktail evening at home. I had come across this cocktail recipe on Bakers Royale.  The cocktail just looked so pretty- ideal for a warm summer evening, and I was dying to try it out. The hubby and UJ (hubby's sis who also stays with us) & I (I wouldn't miss out on this for anything) were the perfect guinea pigs! 

I mean take a look at the prettiness....

[Images courtesy Bakers Royale]

Who could resist this?

So the three of us, the hubby, UJ and I took turns making this fabulous cocktail, Pomegranate & Basil Gin Smash, which sadly doesn't have a fabulous name to match. In fact, maybe someone could suggest one? 

Anyway here's what you need...

A bunch of purple basil (I used regular green basil, just added a little more since its slightly less peppery that the purple one)

A fist full of pomegranate seeds

120 ml Gin 

60 ml sugar syrup (make this by melting 1/4 cup of sugar with 1/4 

cup of water. The syrup should be cool))

30 ml lemon juice

Smash the pomegranate seeds and basil in a cocktail shaker using a muddler (use the handle of a wooden spoon if you don't have a muddler). Next add in a handful of ice cubes, the Gin, sugar syrup and lemon juice. Close the shaker and shake well until the shaker is really really cold. Serve over ice. You can garnish with extra pomegrante seeds, lemon slices and basil, if you want to be a bit fancy.

These quantities make about 3 generous servings, so you would have to do them in batches. 

Here's how ours turned out...

[Images- Shalini Pereira]

Not as pretty as the original, but the taste was amazing!

We really enjoyed the whole process. Don't know if it was the Jazz music or this smashing drink but it was a great evening at home, and a great way to catch up on the weeks events. I should warn you thought- these are really really boozy. The three of us went through three rounds each, and we were very 'happy' by the time we were done!

Happy Friday Everyone! Have a great weekend!