End of a week ...

It's been a hell of a week and another one likely to follow so let me get straight to the point, dinner and a cocktail.

Tonight we'll go to Pricci, a favorite restaurant in Atlanta - sometimes you just need the security of old friends not the flash of new acquaintance - I'll probably order fettucini alfredo with extra nutmeg and my Celt will probably order a slab of flesh and we'll catch up over a cocktail that is likely to be a Manhattan for me and a Campari soda for him.  

Thus, the cocktail of the week isn't really a cocktail but more of a hot-weather drink that can/could/should/must be laced with a great slug of vodka and savored in the shade whilst the world buzzes, whines and tweets around you. 

From Forever Summer by Nigella Lawson, a Mint and Lime Cool Aid.

Enough limes (8, perhaps) to make a little more than one cup of juice

3/4 cup granulated sugar

Bunch fresh mint with, if you must, some sprigs for garnish

5 cups water

Ice

Zest the limes and simmer for about five minutes in a pan with 1 cup of water, the mint and the sugar. When cool, strain the mint flavored syrup into a pitcher, juice the limes and add to the pitcher with the rest of the water and some ice. This is the point at which you decide if you need vodka - how much is up to you, but remember that there are two things with which one should not be ungenerous: booze and the milk of human kindness. 

Have a good weekend.