The Great British Summer is here! The thing about us Brits is that, once the sun’s shining, we’re looking for any excuse to get outside and enjoy a tipple. That means Wimbledon, garden parties, and all sorts of fun in the sun.
So, whether you’re inviting the family round for an al fresco dinner, having a boozy brunch with pals or partying late into the night, you’ll want an array of cocktails at your disposal to impress your friends.
The luxury outdoor furniture experts at Nth Degree know a thing or two about bringing a garden party to life, so here’s five unbeatable cocktails that’ll make the classic rum and coke look positively dreary.
Cucumber Gin Fizz
Best for: Fun in the sun!
When the sun’s beating down, the UK somehow feels hotter than the rest of the world, right? Well, when you’ve got a sweat on, there’s nothing better than a cucumber gin fizz. Cool, calming and uber-refreshing, this one’s a dreamy oasis on sunny days.
You’ll need:
- 60ml gin (go for a fresh, botanical flavour for best results!)
- 1 cucumber (use 4-5 slices per drink)
- 6-8 fresh mint leaves
- Fresh limes
- 15ml simple syrup (combine a 1:1 ratio of sugar and water in a saucepan on the stove)
- 90ml soda water.
- Ice.
Method:
This is the simplest recipe you’ll see all day. Just slice and muddle your cucumber and mint while your syrup heats up on the stove. Mix it all up with gin, soda water and 25ml of fresh lime juice and you’re ready. Add slices of lemon and lime to garnish and you’ve got a beauty of a summer drink.
Spicy Mezcal Margarita
Best for: Late evening shenanigans
If you’re enjoying a balmy summer night outdoors, a spicy mezcal margarita is the perfect way to add a sultry twist to the classic margarita. Using mezcal instead of tequila brings a smoky, earthy flavour into the equation that pairs perfectly with a tajin-rimmed glass.
You’ll need:
- Mezcal
- Cointreau or orange liqueur
- Fresh limes
- Agave syrup (honey can work in a pinch)
- Tajin
- Fresh jalapeno (for garnish)
Method:
Rub half a lime around the rim of your glass and then dip it into a bowl of Tajin to get that classic chilli-salted rim. Then, muddle a few slices of jalapeno with the lime juice and agave syrup, before adding your mezcal, Cointreau and ice. Shake well and strain it into your glass.
Then, pop a final slice of jalapeno on top for garnish if you like it hot. Ooh la la!
Watermelon and Basil Sangria
Best for: boozy brunches
Tired of the same old mimosas? This watermelon and basil sangria brings the feel of the mediterranean to your garden. It’s fruity, fresh and light enough to sip all morning. For best results, prep this one the night before and give all your ingredients a chance to get to know each other in the fridge.
You’ll need:
- One bottle of dry rosé (go for something crisp like a Provence or Spanish rosé)
- 60ml Cointreau or orange liqueur
- One watermelon
- One bunch of fresh basil
- One orange
- 250ml soda water
- Plenty of ice!
Method:
This sangria requires a little extra prep, but it’s seriously worth it, and you can make it in big batches, provided you have a big enough container for it all! Cut your watermelon in half. Blend one half and strain to create fresh watermelon juice. Roughly cube the other half, or use a melon baller.
Finely slice your orange and tear (don’t slice!) your basil leaves. Mix everything together except for the soda water and leave this in the fridge overnight. Add your soda water just before serving and garnish with an extra sprig of basil. Just perfect!
French 75
Best for: BBQ afternoons
Looking for something premium to punctuate an afternoon barbecue? This classic dates back to WWI, when it was said to pack a punch equivalent to the French 75mm artillery field gun. It’s effervescent and zesty – perfect with grilled seafood and herby side salads.
You’ll need:
- 45ml gin (we recommend something dry and citrusy)
- 90ml chilled champagne
- 20ml fresh lemon juice
- 15ml simple syrup (combine a 1:1 ratio of sugar and water in a saucepan on the stove)
- Fresh lemon (for garnish)
- Ice.
Method:
he French 75 recipe is another easy one, so you can easily rustle up a few of these while working the grill – and still keep the meat from burning! Combine the gin, lemon juice and syrup in a shaker with some ice and shake hard for 10 seconds to chill.
Strain into a flute glass before pouring over 90ml of chilled champagne. Add a little lemon peel for garnish and you’ve got the perfect drink accompaniment for an afternoon barbecue.
Creamy Black Walnut Flip
Best for: A soothing nightcap
The party’s wound down and you’re thinking about a luxurious nightcap. Look no further than this black walnut flip, made with Nocino, a complex Italian liqueur often used as a digestif. You can also swap out the cream for oat milk to create a dairy-free version!
You’ll need:
- Ice
- 30ml black walnut liqueur (such as Nocino)
- 30ml cream or oat milk
- One whole egg
- One tsp maple syrup
- Freshly grated nutmeg (for garnish)
Method:
Add your black walnut liqueur, cream (or oat milk) and maple syrup into a shaker, without ice. Crack an egg in for silkiness and body and shake to emulsify and froth. Then, add ice to the shaker and shake again to chill.
Strain into a glass to remove any egg solids or ice shards and grate nutmeg over the top for a little garnish and you’re good to go!
The sun’s out, so make sure to enjoy it while it lasts. With these cocktails in your arsenal, you’ve got the perfect drink for every summer scenario.
