5 Cocktails and Mocktails that are Perfect for Summer
Summer is here and the sun is finally out, meaning that we’re making the most of the evenings and weekend, be it sitting out in the sun with friends, hosting a garden party or enjoying a barbecue.
Whilst we enjoy them all year round, summer is most definitely the season of cocktails and mocktails, and we thought we’d give you a little bit of inspiration for the coming months with some cocktail recipes that are a little different from your go to favourites. Bored of the same old cocktail? Why not try some of our recommended recipes below.
All of our measures are made using a cocktail jigger that is 15ml per half measure and 30ml per full measure.
Mango Heaven
Cocktail (Serves 2)
Squeeze the juice of half a lime and blend with half a small mango to create a smooth purée. Cut the other half of the lime into half and place into glasses. Add 1 teaspoon of sugar and 2 mint leaves to each glass, squishing together to combine the flavours of lime and mint. Top the lime/mint combination with the mango purée and top with 1 full measure of rum, before mixing everything together. Top with soda water and garnish.
Mocktail (Serves 2)
For the mocktail, follow the same steps as above, but replace the rum with a soft drink of your choice, be that soda water, tonic water, lemonade or presse. Garnish with mint and slices of lime.
Not a fan of mango? Why not try a pomegranate or passion fruit mojito, by replacing the mango purée with pomegranate juice
Pink Fizz
Cocktail (Serves 3)
Mix 1 half-measure of Chambord to 3 full measures of vodka or gin. Top with pink lemonade to suit your taste and garnish with a handful of raspberries and a wedge of lemon.
Mocktail (Serves 1)
Add 1 tbsp of raspberry and lemon cordial to half a tumbler if chilled orange juice. Squeeze a lime to add extra flavour and top with either sparkling water, tonic or lemonade. Garnish with raspberries.
Strawberry Summer Cooler
Put 150 grams of strawberries, 60 grams of sugar, 7 grams of thyme (fresh) and 75ml of water in a pan. Bring to the boil and simmer, stirring constantly. Simmer until the liquid is red and the strawberries are pale and look mushy in texture. Strain into a jug, discarding the strawberries and chill for at least 1 hour. (Alternatively, if you do not have time to make the cordial base, replace with a strawberry juice, cordial or syrup). Add ice, strawberries and any other desired garnishes to a jug with the syrup and a squeeze of lemon juice.
Cocktail (Serves 4)
Top with either gin and tonic or Prosecco and soda water to create a fizzy summer cocktail.
Mocktail (Serves 4)
Top with sparkling water, tonic or lemonade to create the ultimate summer mocktail.
Elderflower and Lemon Cooler
Cocktail (Serves 6) - Elderflower and Lemon Martini
Add to cocktail shaker, 5 full measures of gin, 5 full measures of elderflower cordial, 3 full measure of vermouth, 2 full measures and 1 half measure of lemon juice and plenty of ice. Shake well and serve with olives or in a frosted rim glass.
If you don’t have vermouth, instead match the 5 full measures of gin with vodka, and to make it extra boozy, replace the gin cordial with a gin liqueur.
Mocktail (Serves 6)
Add 2 full measures of elderflower cordial to 1 half measure of lemon juice and top with cucumber tonic. Garnish with strips of cucumber, a sprig of mint and lemon twists.
Pineapple Punch
Cocktail (Serves 1)
Add 2 full measures of tequila, 1 full measure of rum, 1 full and 1 half measure of pineapple juice and 1/2 a half measure of lemon juice to a cocktail shaker. Shake well before pouring over ice, a lemon wedge and top with sparkling water.
Mocktail (Serves 1)
Mix 3 full measures of pineapple juice, with 1 half measure of lemon juice. Pour over ice and garnishes, such as a lemon wedge, and top with sparkling water, tonic or lemonade.
