The summer is over, but that does not mean that you need to let go of the summer vibe. Even when you are trapped in your home by blizzard and arctic cold, you can still get the tropical feel. Nothing warms up your soul on a dark winter day like a colourful mixture of alcohol and fruits packed in a tall glass. Try these cocktail recipes that will teleport you to your favourite beach regardless of the weather outside.
1. Tropical Sangria
Sangria is the favourite summer drink of many ladies. They can be both red and white, but this particular sangria is made with white wine. Besides one bottle of Sauvignon Blanc, you will need ½ cup of guava juice, ¼ cup of orange juice, one cup pineapple wedges, orange, blood orange and mango slices, seeds and juice from one passion fruit. These ingredients are enough for 4 to 6 servings. Mix the fruits in a carafe, then cover them with the liquids, and seal tightly. Leave it in the fridge between 2 and 24 hour (the longer the better). Serve in tall glasses filled with crushed ice and garnished with blood orange wedges.
2. Rum Punch
Rum Punch is a basic beginners’ cocktail, but its taste and colours are magical. One look at the ombre effect created by the grenadine, orange juice and dark rum, and a sip of this drink and you will be taken away to a Caribbean beach in the sunset. Is there a better cure for the temperatures in the negatives? Pour 3 ounces of pineapple juice, 1 ounce of dark rum and coconut rum each, and 2 ounces of orange juice in a glass and stir it gently. Slowly add a splash of grenadine, which should sink to the bottom of the glass, and again slowly pour in ½ ounces of dark rum. Dip in a striped paper straw and sip the day away.
3. Vodka Mint Lemonade
Give a new twist to your classic lemonade with a bunch of mint and some vodka. It takes less than 10 minutes to blend 4 quartered lemons (or limes if you prefer), the mint, 8 cups of water, and 1 to 2 cups of vodka, then strain them, and sugar or honey to taste. Instead of regular water, you can use sparkling water for an effervescent touch. Invite some friends over and make a winter ‘pool party’ by your fireplace. Mind though that it is best consumed immediately. Otherwise it will get bitter. But you can always prepare the ingredients ahead of time and just throw them all in the blender once your guests have arrived.
4. Elderflower and Strawberry Spritzer
If you have an elderflower bush and strawberries at hand, it will make this amazing drink perfect. If not, use concentrated Belvoir Elderflower Cordial from a store. For one serving you will need 3 strawberries, 1 tablespoon of elderflower cordial, 4 ounces of white wine (or any kind of alcohol you think would go well – vodka, gin, Prosecco, etc.), and 4 ounces of sparkling water. Put fresh ripe strawberries in tall glasses and mesh them with a muddler. Pour the elderflower cordial over it, and combine with white wine and sparkling water. Stir, bottoms up and taste the feel of Sicily!
5. Cucumber Gin & Tonic
Make yourself a nice old gin and tonic and simply pour it over a few meshed slices of cucumber. Optionally, add a few drops of lemon juice. Stir it and enjoy its subtle taste.
What is your favourite tropical cocktail?
