I have a new heroine. Her name is Margaret Berry.

Before I continue, I admit that I have drank a Smirnoff Ice or three, but I was aware that, fundamentally, it was a bad bad thing.

Manhattans, Rusty Nails, and Old-Fashioneds have all been quaffed by me and friends at various hostelries. The memories stay attached to those drinks, rather than the blurry aftermath of 15 pints of lager and whisky chasers, and are all the fonder for it.

So I think I will follow my heroine’s lead. Her name is Margaret Berry and here is her Case for Cocktails.