How exciting – the clocks went forward and we’ve not only glimpsed the sun but actually felt those long forgotten rays on our skin. It’s spring-time folks which means longer days, fun-filled nights and plenty of drinks al fresco. We’ll be bringing you our pick of the best spots for summer cocktails but in the meantime, here are a few spring recipes to mix up at home…
Hendrick’s Spring Martini
Infusing gin with lavender and cucumber brings out the full flavour of the botanicals in this delightful summery gin. Available at Hush, 8 Lancashire Court, W1S 1EY. T: 020 7659 1500. hush.co.uk
Ingredients
Peel of 1 cucumber, sliced lengthwise
15 – 20 lavender stalks
1 bottle of Hendricks Gin
A decanter (or any sealable container)
Method
Decant the gin and add the lavender stalks and cucumber. Place in the fridge and leave to infuse for at least 24 hours to develop the flavours. To serve, pour the infusion into a martini glass or serve in teacups, stir gently to allow the flavours to open up and garnish with a lavender flower.
Ginger & Carrot cocktail
A zingy, fresh-tasting, stimulating carrot, apple and ginger cocktail on the rocks
Ingredients
30 ml vodka
90 ml carrot juice
30 ml organic apple juice
2 thin slices of fresh ginger
1 lime
Method
Muddle the ginger slices in the bottom of a shaker glass. Add the remaining ingredients. Shake well for approximately 10 seconds then pour over ice. Garnish with a lime wheel.
Can-Dewtini
A fresh melon extravaganza in a cocktail glass
Ingredients
45ml melon vodka
½ honeydew melon
½ cantaloupe
1 tsp. agave nectar (optional)
2 small cantaloupe balls and 1 honeydew ball to garnish
Method
Remove honeydew and cantaloupe seeds and rind before blending until liquefied. Pour this concoction into a shaker glass filled with ice and melon vodka. Shake for approximately six seconds then strain into a large chilled martini glass. Garnish by skewering the three melon balls on a swizzle stick with the honeydew ball in the centre. (If you like your martinis a bit sweeter, add one tsp agave nectar with the melon vodka.)
Beetroot Margarita
25ml tequila
50ml organic beetroot juice
12ml orange liqueur
Juice of ½ lime
Method
Add all ingredients in a shaker filled with ice and shake. Strain into a cocktail glass rimmed with salt.
Sake Passion Cocktail (serves 4)
4 shots of sake
3 organic passion fruits
150g organic strawberries
Juice of 1 organic orange
1½-2 tbsp rice malt syrup
4 organic mint leaves (optional)
Method
Cut passion fruits in half and scoop the seeds and pulp into blender. Add strawberries and orange juice and blend until strawberries are broken down into a smooth pulp. Serve in a rocks glass.
