Though I say it myself, my winter martini was a triumph. This is my spring/summer version — guaranteed to cause chaos at barbeques and village fêtes.

For some, this recipe may be an elegant introduction to a sophisticated evening of scintillating fabulousness. For me it forms a hazy backdrop to the question, “Mummy, why is Daddy slumped and crying behind the bouncy castle (again)?”

Two tips:

1 Never say yes to a third seasonal martini.

2 It will taste better if you’re dressed like Tony Bennett.

Serves 4

1 If you’re not at home, book a taxi for later.

2 Place one leaf of mint, one gooseberry and a head of elderflower in a bowl. Add two measures of vermouth. Mash it up. If you can remember to do this a couple of hours in advance, all the better.

3 Strain out the bits through a cloth and pour some of the mixture over loads of ice in a cocktail shaker. The less you add, the drier your martini.

4 Add 12 measures of gin or vodka.

5 Stir, pour, add a twist of lemon, drink.

Feel free to replace the ingredients with a few drops of elderflower cordial and mint and gooseberry cordial — there’s no need to get carried away and no one likes a purist.

How to enter the competition

Do you have your own secret recipe? A family favourite passed on through generations or a dish you learnt from your best friend? If you’d like to share it then send it to us and we’ll consider it for publication. If it arrives before 5pm on May 27, it will automatically be entered for our Reader’s Recipe Exchange competition. Gordon Ramsay will select his five favourites and each winner will receive Waitrose vouchers worth £150 (also redeemable at John Lewis).

Send your favourite family recipes to recipeexchange@thetimes.co.uk or post them online by clicking here.

For full terms and conditions click here

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