Cocktails are the perfect way to add a bit of spritz and glamour to a balmy summer evening. Fortunately, the days of Piña Coladas adorned with glacé cherries and paper umbrellas are long gone. Nowadays cocktails are a much more sleek and sophisticated affair - but that doesn’t mean they can't be fun.
The possibilities for cocktail creations are endless and our top tipples can easily be made at home: you don’t need a fully-equipped bar to whip up simple cocktails. However, whilst experimental mixology is encouraged, we advise that ingredients should always be fresh and garnishes be kept to a minimum. A basic cocktail-making kit consists of six items: a measurer, a shaker, a juicer, a muddler, a mixer and a strainer. These can easily be substituted for everyday kitchen items if you don’t fancy yourself as a fully-fledged mixologist just yet.
Regardless of your level, with our tips you’ll be a cocktail pro in no time:
- For added taste, squeeze the juice from your lime and drop the wedge in your glass for a zingy boost.
- Filling your glasses to the top with ice not only looks good but also makes the ice last longer, keeping your drinks cool and preventing them from becoming diluted.
- Stick to whole iced cubes rather than crushed ones. These melt too quickly and dilute your cocktail.
- Go the extra mile and chill your glasses in the freezer an hour before serving.
- Use the best quality ingredients you can afford.
- Mint leaves are best stored in an airtight container – to bring out the flavour and lovely aroma, clap the leaves in your hands before using.
- If planning a celebration allow for two drinks per hour for each guest – allow for extra if you think your cocktails will prove popular! Our cocktail list features a variety of scrumptious and summery combinations including fruity, fizzy and alcohol-free tipples.