First off, a huggge thanks to @chefsteve, @pandamama and @offoodandart for hosting this. You guys are so cool!
Secondly, I must point out that I'm aware the cocktail is rudely named. It is important that I stay true to the name to explain its origin, however.
The TFIF (Pronounced Tee-Fiff) is the product of a very tough 2017. South African politics were in a shambles, we were finishing a film on the first heart transplant and were racing to meet a deadline. To top the proverbial cake with the cherry of horror- Cape Town was in the midst of a crippling drought (and still is). We were all limited to 87 liters of water a day (now 50l/pd) or face a hefty fine.
While it was manageable in winter, once summer rolled in the 2 week stretches between hair washes and laundry became all too clear. Work and life related stress- when you smell like a barn all the time-becomes a little more difficult to brush off.
It's become a running joke in these parts to say 'Save water. Drink booze.'
One week was particularly awful. I was going to save water, alright.
I stumbled into my flat, greasy-haired, sweaty and exhausted. I was expecting friends for dinner and had to perk up- fast.
My girl Charlize knows the feels. Maybe I should shave my head.
Anyhow....
Nothing fixes quite like a G&T right? Wrong. I needed bitterness to reflect(and suppress) the seething beast brewing in my belly.
This job called for grapefruit.
Long story short, the grapefruit worked (so did several sprigs of rosemary. Stick some in your G&T. Trust me.)
I'd make it. I could survive another bucket-wash and arrive at work the next day without anyone needing to die.
THEN IT HIT ME.
I wouldn't have to go to work. It was Friday and it was GLORIOUS.
And so, my cocktail was christened.
Here's the recipe:
- Tons of Ice
- Double shot of gin (I used Malfy citrus-infused)
- Half a glass of freshly squeezed grapefruit juice
- Tonic to top
- Rosemary
For the sake of the snaps, I decorated with extra cucumber, mint and grapefruit bits.
(Make two glasses if it's been a rough week. Does the trick every time.)
So that's the story of the TFIF. I sincerely hope you won't need it. (You can want it. That's a good thing.)
If you do make it, toast with a hearty 'Vat so, Keel!' (Take that, throat!)
I have had G&Ts with rosemary but your version with grapefruits sounds so much better! Good luck!
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Thank you kindly!
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This week is going to be a challenge for me as I'm not a drinker per se. I love a beer now and then (usually half a glass) and a glass of red wine now and again - and then a tequila sometimes when we are out celebrating. Your photographs are outstanding @whattheduck and your story is great
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Hi @pandamama, thanks for the feedback (It's delicious without the gin, too. A couple of pink peppercorns make it pretty and work as a great substitute as juniper berries aren't easy to come by around here.)
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Thanks for the delicious tips @whattheduck
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There is hope on the juniper berry front. A little travelling from CBD. Since anything remotely outside cape town is "far". You will find it at a very awesome spot called The Vineyard Deli at the Kendridge centre in Durbanville. :)
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@playingitagainjane, you little legend!!!! Entirely worth the drive out. Have a pineapple and juniper sorbet waiting for this moment!
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Hey my pleasure.Good ingredients are hard to come by and always super exciting when you find those little treasure.
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I find regular gin tonics so easy to drink. This version is borderline dangerous for me with grapefruit, rosemary and cucumber! What a great combo. Thanks for sharing this drink and good luck this week!
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Thanks chefsteve! They are a little treacherous, but a good source of vitamin C! (The key, I believe, is balance). Have a great week!
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I love anything flavored with grapefruit and the addition of rosemary sounds delicious. I don't really drink alcoholic beverages but I would take a sip of this!
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Thanks for your feedback loveself! It's delicious without the gin too!
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Beautiful drink! The ingredients go well for a nice, refreshing drink, including the added cucumber and mint! I can already taste it and am now craving it. Gotta try it ... but will skip the shave-my-head part!
Amazing photos ... wonderful cocktail! Thanks for your entry and good luck!
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Thank you! (I recommend the head shave only to Capetonians who can no longer afford dry shampoo....it's been a tough drought)
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A G&T is my favourite especially at the end of a sticky hot Durban day, but never thought of having it with grapefruit & rosemary! Looks super cooling, good luck @whattheduck :) Your snaps are great, hope the rain comes soon!
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It's perfect for a hot Durban day! Argh you've made me home sick! Lived in Malvern and Westville as a child. Still haven't quite grown used to the Cape Town water! Might make a Durban curry for a taste of home (though I've become convinced the humid weather is what makes a Durban curry taste like it should! Never quite the same here! Thanks for your kind comment Lizelle! Good luck for your entry!
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I live in your hometown of Malvern, small world hey! Nothing beats a Durban curry for sure, my nephew who's now a Cape Townian swears by Durban spice, says he can't get the right spice in CT!
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That's amazing! I think he's right! It's just not the same. I'm growing accustomed to the Malay curries, but am not too fond of the sweetness. Maybe we should start importing for all the Durbanites in the mother city, I'm sure there's no shortage of demand! Have a real bunny chow for me!
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This cocktail seems like the perfect antidote to a hot and dry drought. Thanks for your entry and good luck!
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It certainly helps! Hoping for rain!
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