As the heat takes hold, and the days get longer, we can begin to look forward to summer’s long and languid afternoons. And the best way to beat the heat? A refreshing, delicious, ice-cold cocktail (best enjoyed in the company of good friends).
But while cocktails are always a hit, mixing them can mean you’re stuck in the kitchen squeezing limes, measuring spirits and wrestling with a shaker, rather than enjoying your delicious creation with your guests.
Enter the batch cocktail. Low-fuss but equally delicious, these three recipes will mean that – with a little bit of advance planning – you can whip up a jug of boozy goodness and then simply serve them up in a jug or pitcher, leaving you free to relax and soak up the good vibes.
The epitome of a no-fuss summer cocktail, the iconic Mexican drink balances sweet, sour, and salty notes, and comes together in just a minute or two.
Ingredients (serves 4-6):
Method:
1. Mix Montelobos Espadin Mezcal, lime juice, grapefruit juice and powdered sugar in a large jug or pitcher. Stir well, then chill for up to one hour.
2. To serve: rim each glass with fresh grapefruit and dip into salt.
3. Fill glasses with ice, divide the Mezcal Paloma evenly, top with soda water and garnish with a slice of grapefruit.
This bright red berry cocktail might look complicated, but it’s basically an elevated vodka ginger ale with a summery twist that can be batched ahead of time for easy refills.
Ingredients (serves 4-6):
Method:
1. Muddle the strawberries and mix Hoshi vodka, lemon juice, and Fever-Tree ginger beer in a large jug or pitcher.
2. Chill for up to one hour and serve with plenty of ice.
3. Add a slice of ginger to garnish.
The perfect companion for your next barbeque, the sweet juiciness of pineapple combined with your favourite dry gin and the refreshing, bubbly tartness of Australian sparkling create a simple yet sophisticated summer punch.
Ingredients (serves 4-6):
Method:
1. Combine Four Pillars Rare Dry Gin & fresh pineapple juice in a large jug or pitcher. Stir well, then chill for up to one hour.
2. Add ice and fill the jug to the top with Arras Origin south sparkling wine to serve.
3. Divide evenly into glasses and garnish with a lime wheel and raspberries.