Drinking in Season: Off the Wagon’s Gin and Rhubarb Sour
We aren’t just about eating in season here at E8 in Season, we also love drinking in season. As a special treat (just in time for the long weekend!) we asked John Parry, owner of Off the Wagon, to share a special seasonal cocktail recipe. What better way to use all the excellent British rhubarb that is currently in abundance!?
Off the Wagon are a Hackney based bar events company. They operate out of a beautifully converted trailer that started life as a burger van. Lovingly converted in 2015, JP set up Off the Wagon in 2016 with a view to supplying quality drinks, made with love and passion, to all kinds of events. They bring the party (and the bar) to you! As much as possible, Off the Wagon like to keep things local. Beer is supplied by Leyton’s Signature Brew, and locally foraged fruits, flowers and herbs often make their way into cocktails. JP brings with him a wealth of experience running bars, restaurants and event bars all over East London and beyond.
Gin & rhubarb sour
- 40ml gin (JP suggests Bombay Sapphire as it is light, floral and not too overpowering)
- 40ml rhubarb simple syrup (see recipe below)
- 25ml fresh lemon juice
- 1 egg white
- mint or rosemary for garnish
Add all the ingredients to a cocktail shaker. Add one cube of ice and shake until the ice stops rattling. This helps the egg to emulsify and gives you a creamy finish.
Fill the shaker up with ice and shake again. Taste. Strain into a rocks glass over fresh ice. Garnish with a little mint (or rosemary). Drink.
Rhubarb simple syrup
- 2 1/2 cups of rhubarb, cut into 2cm pieces
- 1 cup of water
- 1 cup of white granulated sugar
Combine the ingredients in a saucepan and bring to the boil. Simmer for 15–20 mins, until it’s soft and mushy. Pass through a fine mess strainer, collecting the liquid in a bowl.
Bottle the liquid. It will keep in the fridge for a few weeks or so.
For more information on Off the Wagon, or to book them for your event, head over to their website or follow them on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
If you are a local business/community scheme who promotes seasonal eating and would like to be featured please drop us an email at e8inseason@gmail.com.
