The best classic and contemporary cocktails to try this summer
It’s the first day of summer, the mercury is finally rising and it’s time to relax into the festive season with a drink in hand. Here’s the ultimate cocktail list to try this silly season.
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Summer is officially here and the thought of relaxing with a delicious cocktail in hand is no longer a dream but a reality.
So, we’ve put together a list of some of the best classic cocktails to get you through these sweltering days, and thrown in a few newbies to get those tastebuds tingling (we even included the recipes — you’re welcome).
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MOJITO
If you haven’t had a mojito, you haven’t lived. This traditional Cuban highball consists of five ingredients — white rum, sugar, lime juice, soda water and mint. It’s as simple as that. The combination of citrus and sweet with mint is one that will keep you coming back for more. If you’re feeling adventurous you can add blueberries or strawberries for a berry tasty twist.
SANGRIA
Originating in Spain this alcoholic thirst quencher is a crowd-pleaser. Made and served in a large pitcher the main ingredients include brandy, lemon juice, orange juice, red wine, sugar, fruit and ice. Lemonade, soda water or ginger ale can be added for that extra fizz. Nothing like a glass of sangria to start the weekend.
FRENCH 75
An oldie but a goodie, the French 75 cocktail, also known as the 75 Cocktail or in French a Soixante Quinze, this beauty is a combination of gin, Champagne, lemon juice and sugar and dates back to World War 1.
MARGARITAS
One tequila, two tequila, three tequila, floor. Yes, the mighty margarita may be a classic but a few too many of these and the mighty may fall. Margaritas are a cocktail combining tequila, orange liqueur and lime juice and is served shaken with or without ice and often with salt on the rim of the glass.
APEROL SPRITZ
Ice cubes are key when it comes to one of these vibrant beverages. Three parts prosecco, three parts Aperol, a dash of soda and garnished with a slice of orange and voila — your drink is served. It’s as easy to make as it is to drink.
ESPRESSO MARTINI
Coffee and alcohol — what’s not to love? The classic espresso martini is a cold coffee flavoured drink made with vodka, espresso coffee, coffee liqueur and sugar syrup and usually garnished with coffee beans. A great start to a fun-filled night or the perfect end to an evening.
COSMOPOLITAN
Affectionately known as a cosmo, this brew is a combination of vodka, triple sec, cranberry juice and lime juice and the perfect mix of sweet and sour. Cosmopolitans have been around since the 1970s but made famous by American romantic comedy-drama television series Sex and the City.
OLD FASHIONED
Made by muddling sugar with bitters and adding alcohol (the choice is generally between whiskey and brandy) and finished with a twist of citrus rind. Often referred to as the OG of cocktails, the Old Fashion can be found on almost every cocktail list in town — but can be one of the hardest to master.
LE GRAND FIZZ
The Le Grand Fizz is a Grey Goose special, using their own vodka mixed with Elderflower liqueur, lime juice and soda water — a simple yet spritzy drink perfect for summer.
Recipe:
35ml Grey Goose vodka
25ml Elderflower Liqueur
20ml freshly squeezed lime juice
50ml soda water
BELLINI
A mix of prosecco sparkling wine and peach puree, this little number is the ultimate sweet treat to try this summer. Simply pour the peach puree into a chilled glass and add prosecco.
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