As a kid I didn't have lots of luxuries.  

 We would have a bit of money and then it seemed to disappear.

 We didn't go without food or anything like that, there was always ho-ho's and ding-dong's in the freezer and my Mom even bought bran cereal before it was all the "rage."  

One thing though that I never saw much of was alcohol.  Mostly because my parent's didn't like the taste.  Pepsi was much preferred over a martini at home.  

 Having a drink 🍸 out was much more sophisticated.

 I remember having my first taste of Rosé wine 🍷 at the famous steak house in the area.  I think it was probably White Zinfandel but let's pretend it was a French Rosé, okay?  No need to burst the bubble now.😉  I didn't like it.  I preferred the Texas style beans from the "Bean Lady," another story for another day.😉

So when I first started trying different kinds of drinks I started with the sweeter stuff. Don't most of us?  

The whiskey sour,

Lynchburg lemonade. Where do they come up with these names?  This was my first taste of legal drinking...Canada love.

 Of course I had already started my world travels ✈️✈️✈️ (aka: Europe) by then, so Beer 🍺 from Germany 🇩🇪 was already on the list, but this was different.

 This was the "hard stuff."  

It was good.

 I liked it.  

And then I tried a Gin and Tonic.  Gag!  I know, weird.

 I will tell you a little secret  just between you and me:  I still can't/won't drink Tonic Water.  Metal in my Mouth doesn't do it for me.

 Gin, however, that's another story.  I think it is my favorite alcohol if I have a choice.  It's interesting with the woodsy juniper berries and goes well in many drinks.  It plays nicely with many citrus fruits and goes floral or woodsy if needed.  And for those guests of yours who are Tonic water lovers well it's an easy drink to make.  

My tastebuds have expanded now that I have been exposed to different flavors and a nice warm smooth French 🇫🇷 Cognac tastes great on a Winter Day but for a little taste of  whimsy I always resort back to Gin.  

Maybe it takes me back...

or maybe I love saying "Whimsy."

Either way, this drink is for the

cocktail hour, 🍸

the Tonic water hater, 🚱

or the friend who likes their drink  "Whimsical."✨💫

Ingredients:

• 2 shots Gin

• Top with Elderflower Champagne (or see Tips below)

• 1/2 shot Lemon Juice

• Dash of Bitters

• 1/4 shot Bourbon soaked cherry simple syrup

• Lemon peel optional

Instructions:

Step 1:

Place all ingredients except bitters and champagne in a shaker and add ice.  Shake until cold.  Pour into a Glass and put the dash of bitters and then top with the champagne.  Place lemon peel in drink.

Drink, Sip and Enjoy!

Tips:

• Make some Bourbon soaked cherries and then make them into simple syrup from them...smashing!

• If you don't have elderflower champagne you can use regular champagne but also use half st germaine