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Real Life Downton Abbey Owners Hosting Virtual Cocktail Hour
Source: Highclere Castle
If you have ever fancied yourself swanning around Downton Abbey dressed in ‘20’s attire and sipping on a gin and tonic, now’s your chance.
Fans of Downton Abbey can now virtually travel to the United Kingdom and participate in a cocktail hour at the property famously used in the hit television series.
The real-life owners of Highclere Castle (the magnificent country estate used in Downton Abbey) have sadly had to close the door to tourists due to the coronavirus, but have decided to offer up a virtual treat instead.
Earl and Lady Carnarvon will host a cocktail hour inside the historic property via Facebook Live, with the first virtual get together taking place on Friday April 17.
“We will tell stories of the cocktails that were served here in the ’20s and ’30s and pull out some of the old recipes and add some jazz music in the background and see what we can do to bring people together,” Lady Carnarvon shared with People. “It is something to look forward to and be part of our routine.”
Lady Carnarvon also shared her recipe for her favorite gin mojito with People, so viewers can prepare the delicious concoction before settling down to indulge in the virtual cocktail hour.
Earl and Lady Carnavon normally make the drink using Highclere Castle Gin – their own spirit inspired by botanicals grown at the property. However, any good London Gin should suffice if you can’t get your hands on a bottle of Highclere Castle Gin.
The recipe, according to People, is as follows:
1.5 ounces Highclere Castle Gin
3 teaspoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
3 teaspoons freshly squeezed lime juice
4 teaspoons sugar syrup
10 mint leaves
Soda water
Twisted Lemon Peel to garnish
Put the Gin, lemon juice, lime juice, sugar syrup and 8-10 mint leaves into a glass and add some crushed ice. Add soda water, and finish with mint leaves and a lemon peel twist.
