The late August bank holiday is approaching for the home nations, except Scotland, with the long-range weather forecast also hinting at some more heat. So it's the perfect time to start thinking about a range of chilling cocktails to help cool down.
Many new products are appearing on the drinks store shelves ahead of the long weekend, which usually signals the end of summer. Here's a selection of products designed to give an added boost to some classic combinations.
For many years, De Kuyper Royal Distillers has created high quality liqueurs that are found in the world's favourite cocktails. The brand has launched its own cocktail book of recipes and here are a few of the most popular.
Blue Lagoon
This refreshing number is a fun cocktail for any summer soirée. With zesty and sweet notes this striking blue cocktail, made with De Kuyper Blue Curaçao, (available to buy in Morrisons) is just enough to make you feel like you’re on a beach in the Caribbean. This cocktail is also delicious without the vodka if you fancy something booze-free.
Ingredients:
- 40ml De Kuyper Blue Curaçao (RRP £9.75)
- 20ml Vodka
- 20ml Lime Juice
- Lemonade (e.g. sprite or 7-up)
- Ice cubes
Method:
- Measure all ingredients with the jigger then pour directly into your glass.
- Add your ice cubes
- Top with lemonade
- Stir gently
- Add your orange garnish and enjoy!
Passionfruit Martini
Nothing says summer like a martini and this delicious Passionfruit Martini is so quick and easy to make in large batches and refrigerated. All you need is De Kuyper Passionfruit Liqueur (available to buy in Waitrose), vodka, lime juice and a passionfruit to garnish
Ingredients:
- 20ml De Kuyper Passionfruit Liqueur (RRP £9.50)
- 40ml Vodka
- 20ml Lime Juice
- 1 Bar spoon simple syrup or with fresh passionfruit
Method:
- Pour all ingredients into the glass part of the shaker.
- Add the ice to the tin, it should fill about 2/3 of the shaker
- Place glass on top of the tin, close with a gentle tap
- Shake vigorously for about 15 seconds. The glass points towards you.
- Open the cocktail shaker, pour into the class, and enjoy!
- Garnish with your passionfruit.
Classic Margarita
The beloved Margarita will always go down a treat. A crisp Margarita is the perfect balance of flavours. Stock up on De Kuyper Triple Sec (available at Morrisons).
Ingredients:
- 20ml De Kuyper Triple Sec (RRP £10)
- 40ml Tequila
- 20ml Lime Juice
- 1 Barspoon sugar syrup
- Salt for the rim of the glass
- Ice cubes
Method:
- Measure all ingredients with the jigger and pour directly into the shaker.
- Fill the shaker for 2/3 with ice cubes.
- Shake strongly for 15 seconds
- Pour through a fine strainer into the Margarita glass, add your garnish and enjoy.
Bathtub Gin Negroni Cocktail
This pre-bottled delight has been expertly crafted using the multi-award-winning Bathtub Gin, which boasts a full-on flavour that can stand up to the punchy combo of vermouth and bitter aperitif. With orange playing such an important role in both the Negroni and Bathtub Gin, it seems like a perfect match.
Pour a measure over ice, give it a stir, garnish with an orange peel, to obtain helpings of orange peel and juniper, backed up by classic red fruit notes, and touches of anise and cardamom.
Available - Master of Malt at £33.95
Chambord Berry Spritz
Made from an infusion of the world's finest black and red raspberries with Madagascan vanilla and XO Cognac, Chambord is the ideal cocktail base. Chambord is available to buy now (£8 for 200ml) from Asda, Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Amazon and other retailers.
How to make the Chambord Berry Spritz
- 3 parts Prosecco
- 2 parts Chambord
- 1 part soda
- Fresh raspberry and mint (for garnish)
Fill a wine glass with ice, add prosecco and Chambord then top with a splash of soda. Garnish with a raspberry and sprig of mint.
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