Thirsty for something to perk up your palate?
When it comes to rustling up a cocktail, seasonal serves with thoughts of the great outdoors are just the ticket – with enticing flavour profiles, from fresh and crisp, to a sense of sweetness to balance that sour.
Here’s what we’re shaking up and steeped in springtime newness…
1. The Dubliner Irish Capel Street Sour
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With some toothsome honeycomb and caramel in the mix, The Dubliner Irish Whiskey Liqueur, Whiskey and Honeycomb (£25.25, 70cl, The Whisky Exchange) promises a smooth ride all the way.
Ingredients: 50ml The Dubliner Irish Whiskey Liqueur, Whiskey and Honeycomb, 25ml lime juice, 15ml demerara sugar syrup 2:1, 1 dash Angostura Bitters. Mint leaf to garnish.
Method: Half-fill a cocktail shaker with ice: Add the ingredients and shake vigorously. Strain into a Nick & Nora glass, garnish with a mint leaf (gently slap the mint leaf first to release the oils and aromas), squeeze the lime wedge and add to the drink.
2. Mermaid Seaview Sour
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With some zesty lemon, peppery notes and hint of salt to tickle the taste buds, Mermaid Gin (£41, 70cl, Isle of Wight Distillery) will put the wind in your sails.
Ingredients: 50ml Mermaid Gin, 25ml lemon juice, 25ml lime juice, 25ml peach syrup, 35ml orange juice, dash of vegan foamer. Lemon peel and cherry to garnish.
Method: Half-fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add gin and juices, shake vigorously and strain over an ice-filled tumbler. Top with foamer and garnish with lemon peel and a single cherry.
3. Kavka Estate Negroni
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Cited as bold, distinctive and silky smooth, Polish Kavka Estate Vodka (£29, 70cl, Threshers) makes for a delicious twist on this classic cocktail.
Ingredients: 50ml Kavka Estate Vodka, 40ml sweet vermouth, 40ml Campari Bitters. Orange peel for garnish.
Method: Fill a rock glass with ice. Add the ingredients, sir slowly and garnish with orange peel.
4. Monkey Shoulder Core Blimey
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A rich, blended malt which delivers rich, fruity notes, Monkey Shoulder Scotch Whisky (£31, 70cl, Waitrose) works well in all manner of cocktails.
Ingredients: 30ml Monkey Shoulder, 15ml Cointreau, Appletiser. Mint sprig and apple slice for garnish.
Method: Add Monkey Shoulder and Cointreau into a wine glass filled with ice. Stir slowly, top with Appletiser and garnish with fresh mint sprig and slice of apple.
5. Hendrick’s Grand Cabaret Royale
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A new addition to Hendrick’s Cabinet of Curiosities, Hendrick’s Grand Cabaret Limited Edition Gin (£30.95, 70cl, House of Malt) features stone fruit flavours for added depth, with enticing nuances of sweet herbs among the botanicals.
Ingredients: 30ml Hendrick’s Grand Cabaret, 30ml cranberry juice, 15ml lime juice, 15ml simple syrup, champagne or sparkling wine. Cucumber Slice and orange peel for garnish.
Method: Add gin, juices and syrup to a balloon glass. Stir slowly, top with champagne or sparkling wine. Garnish with a cucumber slice and orange peel. And there you have it!