The festive season is behind us, and we’re officially in the full swing of work and school days. With that said, we’re all living for those long lazy weekend evenings spent heating the clink of ice cubes and the laughter of friends. That’s right folks, it’s time to unwind and savour the start of the year with the best summer cocktails.
Toasting To Summer With Cool Cocktails
Whether you’re sipping on a fresh Pina Colada with sweet summery chunks of pineapple, a classic Tom Collins, a lively and zesty Aperol Spritz, or even if it’s mocktails for me – the rule is straightforward – any drink that brings a cool and joyful touch to your cocktail experience is a delightful choice.
So, if you’re looking to fall in love with cocktails and are just starting out on your mixology journey, fret not. Start by stocking your bar with the essentials for crafting classics that never go out of style:
1. Classic Mojitos
A refreshing Cuban classic that combines the crisp notes of fresh mint, the tangy burst of lime, and the subtle kick of rum. Muddle the mint, squeeze the lime, add a touch of simple syrup, and top it off with ice and rum for the perfect summer rejuvenation.
Virgin For Me: Swap the rum for soda water.
2. Watermelon Daiquiris
Indulge in the juicy sweetness of summer with this delightful twist on the traditional daiquiri. Fresh watermelon chunks, orange juice, a splash of lime juice, and a generous pour of light rum create a vibrant and thirst-quenching concoction that’s perfect for sipping as the sun sets.
Virgin For Me: Omit rum and increase orange juice.
3. Mai Tai
Transport yourself to the tropics with a Mai Tai – a vacation in every sip.
This classic cocktail features a perfect blend of light and dark rums, fresh lime juice, orange liqueur, and a hint of almond syrup. Garnish with a cherry and a slice of lime.
4. Sour Cherry Mezcal Margarita
For the more adventurous palate, this drink adds a smoky and tart kick to the classic. Mix mezcal with sour cherry juice, fresh lime juice, and a touch of agave syrup for a unique and bold flavour profile. Rim the glass with salt for the perfect balance of sweet, smoky, and sour.
5. No Spritz, No Party
Indulge your taste buds in a refreshing symphony of flavours with the “No Spritz, No Party” cocktail featuring Robertson Winery Sparkling Brut.
This delightful concoction combines the zesty flavour of frozen oranges, bitter-sweet Aperol, and the gentle sparkle of RW Brut Sparkling to create a cocktail that’s not just a drink but an experience.
Virgin For Me: Use Robertson non-alcoholic dry Sparkling White
Ingredients
- 6 Oranges, frozen with skin on
- 100 ml Soda
- 100 ml Aperol
- RW Brut Sparkling
Method:
- Freeze the oranges with the skin on
- Once frozen, remove and cut off the skin while maintaining the frozen state
- Cut the oranges into smaller blocks, ensuring the icy freshness is preserved
- In a small jar, combine the frozen orange blocks, Aperol, and 100 ml of soda
- With a hand blender, blend the ingredients until smooth, creating a vibrant and velvety orange concoction
- Fill your glasses with this citrusy blend and top it up with the pièce de résistance – RW Brut Sparkling
- Garnish each glass with a twist of orange peel, enhancing the aroma and visual appeal
Cheers to good times, great company, and the endless possibilities of summer!
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