Even though it may feel a bit far from summer at the moment with the intermittent sunshine amidst cold and grey weather, you can brighten your day with our top picks for summer cocktails. Where you will most likely recognise or know some very well, others might surprise you by their cheeky twists, and leave you with an idea of what to drink and how to make it yourself.
Pimms
Being Britain’s favourite summer cup, we obviously had to have the beloved Pimms on top of the list.
As easy as the classic recipe might be to remember (even after a few), you sometimes just need it to be a tiny bit more exciting. So, why not try ‘Pimms PimPom’?
Ingredients
1 part Pimm’s
3 parts Pomegranate
Ice
Directions
Mix all ingredients in a highball or half pint glass.
Garnish with orange and ripped basil
Mojito Slushies
We bet you thought mojitos couldn’t get any more refreshing than in their original form, but rest assured, mojito slushies not only twist the classic (well known) mojito experience but leaves you feeling well refreshed. Don’t be too eager on these slushies though; finishing a little too quickly could remind you how a good old “brain freeze” feels like.
How to make them yourself? That’s easy – and only takes 10 minutes!
Ingredients
1/2 c. fresh lime juice (about 4 to 6 limes)
1/4 c. agave
1/3 c. fresh mint leaves
Zest of 2 limes
1/2 c. light rum
Ice
Mint sprigs and lime wedges for garnish
Directions
Add the lime juice, agave, mint leaves, lime zest, and rum to a blender. Blend until smooth. Fill the blender to top with ice and blend until slushy.
Pour into glasses, garnishing each with a sprig of mint and a lime slice.
Piña Colada
Dreaming about bounty beaches, easy days strolling around in just a bikini and sun kissed skin won’t come closer to taste like a Piña Colada – Tip: Use fresh pineapple to make it extra tropical!
Ingredients
4 oz. spiced rum
4 oz. coconut milk
1/3 c. fresh pineapple chunks
Splash pineapple juice
2 maraschino cherries
1 c. Ice
Directions
Add rum, coconut milk, pineapple chunks and juice to a blender with ice. Blend until smooth.
Pour into 2 glasses.
Garnish each glass with a pineapple chunk and a maraschino cherry.
Aperol Spritz
A traditional Italian “ice-breaker” which during the past few years has made its way into the hearts of the brits and during the summer period become a true challenger to the frizzy Prosecco. And it’s not only for Hackney hipsters in top hats and lion-tamer moustaches but one for mum and dad as well. Best thing is, it’s SO easy to make!
Ingredients
75ml Prosecco (3 parts)
50ml Aperol (2 parts)
Some sparkling soda (1 part)
1 slice of orange
A handful of ice cubes
… and if it’s been a looooong day, add 25ml gin.
Directions
Add lots of ice to a large white wine glass, pour over the Aperol, followed by the Prosecco (and gin if using).
Stir once and finish the drink with a splash of soda water and a slice of orange.
Sex on the Beach
As another classic, we couldn’t finish the list without mentioning the famous Sex on the beach. It’s refreshing, it’s fruity and gives you a boozy kick – A fantastic summer cocktail!
Ingredients
1.5 oz. Vodka
0.5 oz. Peach Schnapps
1.5 oz. Orange /or Pineapple juice
1.5 oz. Cranberry juice
Directions
Add all the ingredients to a shaker and fill with ice.
Shake, and strain into a highball glass filled with fresh ice.
Garnish with an orange wheel.
Finally, as you are now familiar with both the ingredients necessary and how to mix them, why not try all of them? No doubt we’ll be on it as soon as the weekend kicks in!