Is it just me, or is everyone looking for an injection of fun into Friday nights?

I think it’s because Christmas is coming and usually, I would be planning lots of fun pre-Christmas get-togethers. For me, the joy of parties and meeting up with old friends is just what I crave on crisp dark November nights.

I need that in my life again! Are you with me?

I got to thinking of ways that I could get that party feelin' again and I fell in love with a ‘Cocktails in Pyjamas’ concept. Over the last week I have rallied all my oldest friends. They have put their favourite playlists together and we have picked the most delicious cocktail recipes. I am going to be putting them out there each week for 4 weeks. I’m really excited about it and I think it’s going to work a treat! Are you in?

Today we are kicking things off with my ultimate favourite – The Gin Sour

Here’s what I have in mind:

The dress code – Comfort always reigns supreme, so the dress code will be pyjamas (we are a sleepwear brand after all!). But full on accessorising is highly recommended to get you in the mood. I for one will be getting my turban and tan on. And here’s the very best bit – you can fall straight into bed at the end of the night (no judgement!).

Added bonus: you may not feel like doing much the next morning, and you’ll find yourself perfectly dressed for a morning of lounging over brunch.

The playlist – Do you remember those nights when we would stand on the streets in town arguing about where to go next? Which venues were best for music and atmosphere? There’s a fine balance to be struck, but if you’re the host, you control the decks! I fully expect there to be dancing. So, my gals have helped me put some playlists together. Here’s what we will be playing tonight. Spotify playlist:

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1OOPFet3JAtV0VZGrmb4P2?si=x5ZX0MaFTQGKg7UqpxviEA 

The nibbles – I know we won’t be actually eating together but party nights are all about connecting over food and drinks so we are definitely having food at this pyjama party! Rumour has it that seafood and gin are a match made in heaven so we’re opting for a Japanese take out – squid tempura, prawn dumplings and sushi nori rolls.

The cocktail – The Gin Sour

I’d never had a gin sour until my brother-in-law moved back to Ireland from London about two years ago and delighted us all with his cocktail repertoire. The Gin Sour was a winner. The egg part took me by surprise initially, but it is delicious and sure if there’s egg whites in there it’s gotta be good for you!

The Gin Sour

(Makes one cocktail)

• 1.5 fluid ounces (about 45ml) of gin
• ½ fluid ounce (about 15ml) of Aperol
• 1 fluid ounce (about 30ml) of lemon juice
• 1 egg white
• 1 cup of ice

Garnish

• Lemon wheel
• 3 drops aromatic bitters

Directions

• Combine all ingredients into a cocktail shaker
• Shake hard for 1 minute to emulsify contents
• Strain into a separate vessel and remove ice; then replace liquid ingredients
• Shake hard again for 1 minute without any ice
• Strain into coupe glass
• Garnish with lemon and aromatic bitters

Obviously just one cocktail pyjama party is not enough, so we will be back next week.

Enjoy your partying!

Cliona x