Cocktail of the week: the Blue Monday

January 19th is Blue Monday, also known as the most depressing day of the year. The high days and holidays are finished for the time being and the gloss of a brand spanking new year has mattified into several more months of belligerent winter. Cue Cold Weather Blues (Muddy Waters).

But this year, I’ve decided to make January’s third Monday pink, with this self-consciously rosy drink inspired by a classic cocktail, the Gin Rickey. Traditionally, you’d find fresh lime juice, club soda and – you guessed it – gin here; my version is faithful only to the fresh lime. Grapefruit soda brings the pink (and sweetness, which I’ve offset with bitters).

I have made it alcohol-free for the Dry Jan crew, but if a shot of gin might brighten January’s gloomiest week for you still more, I wholeheartedly encourage you to add one. Happy Monday, tickled pink.

The recipe

Makes 1

cucumber to garnish

ice cubes a couple

lime 1

grapefruit soda 1 x 150ml can

Angostura bitters 4 dashes

gin 30ml (optional)

rosemary a small sprig, to garnish

Using a peeler, peel a length of cucumber – preferably once the first piece of skin has been removed, so you can get a light strand lined with dark skin on either side. Set aside.

Add the ice to a tumbler. Roll the lime on a work surface to soften, then squeeze all its juice over the ice. Add the grapefruit soda and bitters (and gin, if you are using), then stir a few times. Garnish with the cucumber strand, curling it around the sides of the glass, and finish with a small sprig of rosemary on top.