Gunner

The Gunner is a sharp, spicy, alcohol-free cooler of ginger beer, ginger ale, lime and a couple of dashes of Angostura bitters. A long-standing favourite in the clubs of Hong Kong and Singapore, and a brilliant drink for drivers.

Ingredients

• 120ml chilled ginger beer
• 120ml chilled ginger ale
• 2 dashes of Angostura aromatic bitters
• 15ml lime cordial, or the juice of half a lime
• Ice
• A wedge of lime or a few slices of lemon, to garnish

Method

1. Bitters first: Shake two dashes of Angostura bitters into a highball glass and swirl to coat the inside.
2. Ice: Fill the glass with ice.
3. Build: Add the lime cordial or juice, then pour in the ginger beer and ginger ale.
4. Stir: Give it one gentle stir to mix without knocking out the fizz.
5. Garnish: Add a wedge of lime or a couple of lemon slices and serve.

Tips for the Perfect Gunner

• Equal parts ginger beer and ginger ale is the classic balance: the beer brings the heat, the ale brings the sparkle.
• For more bite, use a fiery ginger beer and fresh lime rather than cordial.
• Want it lighter? Swap the ginger ale for lemonade, which is a common variation.
• Keep both mixers in the fridge. A Gunner should be properly cold.

The Hong Kong Classic

The Gunner is often called the only real Hong Kong cocktail, and it has long been ordered in clubs and golf clubs across Singapore, Hong Kong and other parts of Asia with a history of British expats. It is generally treated as an alcohol-free drink. Strictly speaking, Angostura bitters is 44.7% ABV, but a couple of dashes leaves only a trace in the glass. If you need a drink that is completely alcohol-free, leave the bitters out; it will still be a lovely ginger cooler.

Please drink responsibly. Know your limits, and never drink and drive.