Cocktails

A cocktail is an alcoholic mixed drink with fruit juice, flavoured syrups or cream. The first known written documentation was in 1806, evolving over the 1800’s to include liqueurs. By the 20th century they had gained popularity and in 1917 the phrase ‘cocktail party’ was born.

Cocktail culture has become huge and summer is the perfect time to enjoy them, especially if a mixologist has conjured it up. A mixologist studies the history of mixed drinks, the ingredients and techniques used. They create new and innovative cocktails using classic and unusual elements.

Mocktails are the perfect way to enjoy the delicious flavours without the alcohol, a mixologist will come up with amazing non alcoholic recipes.

Favourites have changed over the years but many remain popular and in high demand.

Ginger Mojito

A more recently invented drink, this was adapted from a drink at Jamie’s Italian restaurant. A truly refreshing, perfectly balanced summer mocktail. Served in a Collins glass, lime juice, lime wedges, cane sugar syrup and mint leaves are mixed with crushed ice and topped up with ginger ale. Served with a mint sprig, it’s summer in a glass.

Negroni

Created and named over a century ago by the Italian Count Camilo Negroni, this has remained a firm favourite. It is the impeccable mix of gin, vermouth and Campari, garnished with orange peel served over ice in a short glass

Old Fashioned

First served at the Waldorf Astoria, New York in the 19th century, a mix of bourbon, sugar and bitters, classically garnished with orange and cherries, served in a whisky glass. Margarita

Especially good for summer, this cocktail related to a similar drink in Mexico became popular in USA during prohibition. Many stories have different claims as to who invented it from as early as 1936.

Tequila, orange liqueur and lime juice are shaken with ice and served in a stepped champagne glass with salt on the rim. The modern version is the Tommy Margarita, the orange liqueur is exchange for agave syrup

COCKTAILS

Daiquiri

Possibly the most iconic summer cocktail, again its exact history isn’t known but has been around since the begining on the 20th century. A mix of rum, lime juice and lime, which has evolved over the years to include frozen fruit, a truly refreshing drink Ingredients • ice • 50ml tequila • 25ml lime juice • 20ml triple sec (we used Cointreau)

For the garnish

• salt • 2 lime wedges Method

Step 1 Sprinkle a few teaspoons of salt over the surface of a small plate or saucer. Rub one wedge of lime along the rim of a tumbler and then dip it into the salt so that the entire rim is covered.

Step 2 Fill a cocktail shaker with ice, then add the tequila, lime juice and triple sec. Shake until the outside of the shaker feels cold.

Step 3 Strain the mix into the prepared glass over fresh ice. Serve with a wedge of lime.

Holiday at Home with a Hot Tub from The Hot Tub Place!