Quench the summer thirst with refreshing cocktails

The summer heat is on full swing in most parts of India. There’s nothing compared to the feeling of drinking something cold when the temperatures start rising. I bet we’re all seeking refuge in refreshing summer cocktails!

A gin and tonic may be the quintessential summer cocktail, but there are several other choices today, depending on the wine or spirit you prefer.

Jackie Matai of Aspri Spirits says, “When I hear ‘summer cocktails’, what comes to mind is a cocktail that is refreshing, fruity and cold enough to combat the heat. The ideal spirit would be vodka so I would recommend Stoli, Skyy Vodka or Roberto Cavalli. A Rose wine like Mateus Rose or Two Oceans Shiraz Rose is light and apt for consumption in summer. Sangria would also be perfect for a lazy afternoon. My favourite this summer is the Gimlet, a combination of Stoli, fresh lime juice and simple syrup poured over lots of ice and garnished with limes.”

Interestingly, with the day when the term “cocktail” was coined (May 13) just gone by, it seems a coincidence to be discussing cocktails. A note of caution though: Keep a check on the calories you end up consuming. Most of these cocktails can be full of cloyingly sweet syrups. Opt for those that use seasonal ingredients and fruits instead.

Beer cocktails work well too as beer has effervescence and texture and can be a perfect substitute for soda. Café Zoe in Mumbai serves a good cocktail with beer, kokum, herbs and spices. Another one worth a mention is the Karuveppilai Martini: Vodka, freshly squeezed lime juice and sugar syrup are spiced up with muddled curry leaves, adding an intensely South Indian twist to the martini. At Raintree, Vivanta by Taj-Connemara, this is a must-try.

Lighter bodied drinks are naturally preferred in summer, but whisky lovers can go for whisky-based cocktails as well.

Le Meridien Hotels and Resorts has launched its brand new Sparkling Cocktail Programme inspired by the European aperitif culture. Sounds really exciting. I can’t wait to sample the String of Pearls, blueberry and lemon-infused Grand Marnier, topped with sparkling wine and garnished with lemon peel strips and blueberries soaked in Grand Marnier. Exotic, I must say! So while the heat is on, bring on the refreshing, innovative summer cocktails.

Mini writes about food, wine and all things fine

Here are a few cocktail recipes to cool you off from the scorching heat

Deadly Daiquiri
Ingredients:
45 ml white rum
15 ml lime juice
15 ml simple syrup
3 watermelon cubes
1 tsp crushed fresh ginger
Watermelon slice for garnish

Method:
Muddle watermelon in cocktail shaker. Add rum, lime juice, syrup and ginger with ice. Shake thoroughly to allow ginger to mingle with other ingredients. Double strain into large rocks glass over fresh ice or double strain into chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with watermelon slice.

Watermelon Jalapeno Margarita
Ingredients:
30 ml tequila
30 ml fresh lime juice
15 ml agave
15 ml fresh orange juice
60 ml fresh watermelon juice
1 slice of seedless jalapeno

Method:
Pour all the ingredients including the sliced jalapeno into a cocktail shaker.
Shake vigorously and strain into a salt rimmed glass. Garnish with fresh limes, chunks of watermelon or jalapeno slices.

What a Mojito!
Ingredients:
1 tbsp sugar
3-4 fresh mint leaves
1 tbsp fresh lime juice
1/2 cup watermelon
¼ cup strawberries, halved or quartered
45 ml light rum

Method:
Combine sugar, mint leaves, and lime juice. Muddle the mint leaves with the end of a wooden spatula. Blend the mashed fruits. Pour mixture into a chilled glass. Add rum and stir well.