JLife rummages through the drinks cabinet to create a selection of summertime cocktail tipples to add the finishing touch to any garden party in the sun.
Summer Sangria
This summer sangria with watermelon and pineapple is made with a white Moscato rather than the traditional red wine. A take on a classic Spanish sangria, it can be made up to two hours before serving but can be served immediately.
Preparation: 10 minutes Serves: 4 – 6
INGREDIENTS
1 bottle Moscato wine
½ cup of brandy
1 lime, thinly sliced
2 cups of watermelon, cubed and cold
2 cups of pineapple, cubed and cold
Lemon lime soda, for serving
Ice cubes
METHOD
1. Pour the wine and brandy into a pitcher and stir to combine.
2. Add the sliced lime, watermelon, and pineapple.
3. To serve, place some of the fruit in a glass with ice. Pour the sangria over the ice and top with lemon lime soda.
Guilt-free Classic Margaritas
This drink skips sugary triple sec, instead gaining its flavour from fresh lime juice, agave syrup, orange zest, and mint—making it only 80 calories per cocktail.
Preparation: 15 minutes Serves: 6
INGREDIENTS
Juice of 15 limes
1 measure of añejo tequila
⅓ measure of dark agave syrup
¼ tsp of dark agave syrup
6 strips orange zest
12 fresh mint leaves
½ tsp of sea salt
ice cubes
METHOD
1. In a large pitcher, combine lime juice, tequila, and agave syrup.
2. Rub each glass rim with one orange zest strip, then place zest in glass.
3. Put ¼ teaspoon agave in a small bowl, and combine mint and salt on a small plate. Dip your finger in syrup and rub along glass rims.
4. Dip glasses in mint-salt mixture to coat rims. Put 4 ice cubes in each glass.
5. Place five ice cubes in a cocktail shaker. Pour half the lime tequila mixture into shaker and shake vigorously.
6. Pour into 3 glasses. Repeat with remaining ice cubes and lime tequila mixture.
Elderflower Wine Cocktail
This light and refreshing white wine-based cocktail gets a subtle sweetness from the elderflower liqueur. It’s easy to mix up ahead of time and quickly serve as guests arrive.
Preparation: 10 minutes Serves: 10
INGREDIENTS
1 bottle of Sauvignon Blanc
½ cup of elderflower liqueur
½ cup of vodka
sprigs of fresh mint
sparkling water
Ice cubes
METHOD
1. In a large pitcher, combine the wine, liqueur and vodka and refrigerate until chilled for about an hour.
2. Muddle a few mint leaves in each glass.
3. Add ice, fill two-thirds with wine mixture, and top with sparkling water.
4. Before serving, garnish with mint sprigs.