Cook with Us #5 – TFIF (Thank Duck it's Friday!)

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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.

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My girl Charlize knows the feels. Maybe I should shave my head.

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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.

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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.

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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!)