The summer is the perfect time to host garden parties, or simply enjoy long lazy afternoons on the sun lounger with a luxurious drink. If you have been given the delightful gift of a tropical fruit box, you’ve the key ingredients for some colourful and sophisticated cocktails. Here are some ideas to get you started!
Rose and lychee martini
This contemporary twist on the classic martini combines the floral notes of rose syrup with the subtle sweetness of the lychee. It’s ideal for when you have guests to impress, or just want an elegant treat for summer sipping on the patio.
To make, muddle three fresh lychees and mix them in a shaker with vodka, rose syrup or rose liqueur, and shake well with ice. Strain into a chilled martini glass, and garnish with a rose petal and a lychee on a cocktail stick.
Mangosteen gin fizz
Mangosteen is known as the ‘queen of fruits’, and it has a delicate flavour and creamy texture that perfectly complements gin and soda. To make, pulp the flesh of two mangosteens and put in a shaker with dry gin, the juice of one lemon and a dash of sugar syrup.
Shake up with ice and strain into a rocks glass with plenty of fresh ice. Top up with soda water and garnish with a lemon twist or edible flowers.
Passion fruit sparkler
This refreshing tropical drink is made with the pulp of one passion fruit, orange liqueur, and a sparkling wine such as Champagne or prosecco (you can also use sparkling water or white grape juice for a low-alcohol alternative). To make, simply stir the passion fruit pulp and liqueur in a chilled flute, and top up with the sparkling beverage of your choice.