My Favourite Summer Cocktails

As summer finally feels like it's here, I've started to see many mouthwatering images of yummy cocktails and colourful drinks popping up all over the place via places like Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram.  Hopefully, the weather will continue to be good to us, so I thought I'd share some of my favourite summer cocktail recipes.  How many of these have you tried?

Classic Mojito

One of the most well loved cocktails on the planet, and a firm favourite of mine is the refreshing Mojito.  

Ingredients:-

- 1 large lime, cut into wedges
- Handful of fresh mint leaves
- 2 tsp granulated sugar
- 65ml white rum (Barcadi always works well!)
- Splash of soda water
- Handful of ice cubes

To make:- 

1. Put the limes, mint and sugar into an empty highball glass and very briefly 'mash' everything together, using a clean rolling pin.  This helps to bruise the mint and release the juice from the limes.

2. Add the ice cubes and pour over the white rum.

3. Add the soda water, stir well and garnish with more mint leaves.

 

Pimms Punch

The traditional Pimms drink with lemonade is delicious enough, but for something a little different, try it with some cider - trust me on this one!  

Ingredients:-

- Dry cider (Savanna is one I love)
- 3 handfuls of mixed fruit pieces (such as orange, lemon, lime, strawberries etc)
- 250ml Pimms

To make:-

1. Pour the cider into a large jug or a punch bowl if you have one.

2. Add a couple of straws and the mixed fresh fruit pieces, then gently pour the Pimms on top of the cider.  Mix well and add plenty of ice if it's a hot day.

 

Pina Colada

If you've never tried a Pina Colada before, make it your mission to enjoy one this summer!  This coconut flavoured drink will make your current location feel like it's a faraway desert island.  

Ingredients:-

- 40ml white rum

- 60ml coconut cream

- 50ml pineapple juice

- A couple of fresh pineapple chunks

To make:-

1. Combine everything into a blender or cocktail shaker and mix well.

2.  Add ice if desired.

Sangria

Fans of Spanish holidays will likely be lovers of the local drink Sangria.  Recreate this fruity drink at home by following the recipe below.

Ingredients:-

- 3 parts red wine

- 1 part orange juice

- 2 parts lemonade

- sliced fruit such as lemon and oranges

To make:-

1. Mix all the ingredients together in a large jug, adding more wine or juice to your taste.

2. Pour into glasses with ice cubes, sit back and imagine you're back on holiday!

 

Bellini

And for something a bit more upmarket, you can't beat a sophisticated Bellini.  All summer weddings should serve these IMO.

Ingredients:-

- 2 ripe peaches, peeled, halved and stones removed

- chilled Champagne or sparkling wine (Prosecco's a good budget option)

- 2 chilled champagne glasses

To make:-

1. Put the peaches into a blender and puree until completely smooth.  This step can be done in advance and kept in the fridge if you're catering for an event.

2. Spoon half of the puree into the chilled champagne glasses and top up slowly with the champagne, making sure to stir as you pour (you want a ratio of one third puree to two thirds champagne).

3. Serve immediately.

So those are just five of my favourite summer cocktail recipes.  If this post has left you hungry for more delicious drinks to try out, there are plenty to be found online (All Women Stalk have a great post featuring their Top 10 Cocktails for Girls Nights Out here for example).  And don't forget your male friends who may find the above too feminine, there's a cool blog post with 15 manly drinks on the Home Wet Bar blog - all of which have very manly names too, grr!  

What are your favourite summer cocktails?

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[This is a summer PR colloboration post - all images sourced from Creative Commons]