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!)