3 Summer Cocktails To Make All Year 'Round
WORDS : CHYKA KEEBAUGH
PHOTOS : COMMISSION STUDIO 2019 + LISA ATKINSON
Is there anything more delicious than sipping on a gorgeous, fruity cocktail come 5 pm on a warm summer’s day? I think not!
My old go-to is G&T, but for this (up & down!) summer I have really been mixing it up and trying out some new flavours. Mocktails, aperitifs, spritzers or cocktails - whichever style of drink you choose to serve, let’s make sure it’s looking gorgeous in a suitable glass with a yummy garnish to bring it to life. I’ve even thrown in a cheeky St. Patricks day inspired cocktail for the next month’s Irish celebrations.
Watermelon Mojito
Ingredients
1/2 small, seedless watermelon, rind removed, flesh cut into chunks
1 bunch mint, leaves picked, 6 sprigs reserved for serving
1 tbsp caster sugar (superfine)
1 lime, cut into wedges
310ml (1 1/4 cups) white rum
ice cubes to serve
Method
Puree the watermelon in batches in a blender.
Pour the pulp through a fine-mesh sieve into a measuring jug, pressing on the solids to extract as much juice as possible. You should have about 750ml, discard the solids.
In a large container, combine the mint, sugar and lime wedges. Using the back of a wooden spoon, crush the mint and lime until the sugar has dissolved. Add watermelon juice and rum and fill the container with ice cubes. Stir to combine.
Pour into individual glasses and serve with more ice and fresh mint sprigs.
SHAMROCK SOUR COCKTAIL
Ingredients
Two tablespoons lime juice
1/2 tablespoon lemon juice
1/4 cup simple syrup
2 ounces Irish whisky
A few drops of green food colouring
lime wedges for garnish
Method
Combine ingredients and shake well; strain over ice.
Garnish with a lime wedge and a shamrock stirrer.
To avoid your drink becoming too green, you can dab an extra wooden skewer into the green food colouring and then stir that into your drink to better control the amount of colour.
CHYKA’S BIRTHDAY GIN COCKTAIL
Ingredients
50ml gin
10ml lemon juice
5ml grenadine (or raspberry syrup)
10ml Sweet Vermouth
A handful of fresh raspberries
1 egg white
Raspberry to garnish or garnish with petal-like I did!
Method
“Dry shake” all ingredients in a shaker for about 30 seconds until the egg has emulsified and the berries have been pulverised. Add half a cup of ice, then shake again until cold. Fine strain into a chilled coupe glass and garnish with a raspberry or petal.
The perfect glass exists for every cocktail - but which one is which? Glass shape & size is often overlooked but is key as to not overwhelm or fill you up on certain flavours, but with so many to choose from how do you know which glass to serve your cocktail in?
Highball glass is designed to hold a larger volumed cocktail. Think one spirit with the matching mixer and a garnish - load your glass with ice and pour.
Lowball glass is the shorter version used for drinks with less mixer in the ingredients. With a base that is wide and sturdy, it is perfect for muddling herbs into your mixes.
Martini glasses are the ultimate in cocktail glamour. With a conical shape, the martini glass allows your guest to indulge in the aromas of your cocktail as well as looking chic.
Rocks glass comes in two sizes - single and double. With a single holding 6-8 ounces and their big sister holding 10-12 ounces.
Margarita glasses are ‘welled’ meaning the bowl is crafted in layers, the top being a flatter open area. Not just for margaritas, this shape is versatile and perfectly sized for a welcome cocktail.
Hurricane Glass is used when the presentation is key! With a neat curve, this glass is on the larger side and suits drinks like daiquiris and iced creations with flair.
Brandy Snifters are made to be cradled with the bottom of the glass cradled in your hand. The design encourages body heat to warm the liquid and swirl.
Need glassware for your next event? The Design Depot is always here to help you out.
This post was first posted in February 2020 on Chyka.com and has been re-posted as a part of the Chyka.com Summer series 2021.