If you want that holiday feeling in the comfort of your own home, try out these delicious cocktails with serious vacation vibes
It can be hard to recreate that laid-back, relaxed atmosphere of your week away in the sun – especially when the kids are whining for something to eat or you can see the growing pile of ironing out of the corner of your eye.
But, when you finally get to sit down at the end of your day, you deserve to relive those moments and if that means making a cocktail, you want to make sure it’s the best it can possibly be.
Experienced bartender, Bryan Levato, director of the bar hire company Spin & Shake shares his expertise on how to experience better cocktails at home. Here’s his advice:
Fresh ingredients are key
According to Bryan, the foundation of any great cocktail lies in its ingredients. “Using fresh, high-quality ingredients is absolutely essential,” he emphasises. “Whether it’s citrus juice, herbs, or fruit garnishes, the difference in taste is remarkable.”
Balance is everything
Achieving the perfect balance of flavours is another crucial aspect of cocktail crafting. “A well-balanced cocktail should have harmony between its sweet, sour, bitter, and alcoholic elements,” Bryan explains. “Experiment with different ratios and ingredients until you find the ideal balance for your palate.”
Don’t skimp on the ice
Ice might seem like a simple ingredient, but its importance in cocktails cannot be overstated. “Quality ice is essential for proper dilution and temperature control,” Bryan advises. “Use large, clear ice cubes to minimise dilution and ensure your cocktail stays cold without becoming watered down.”
Presentation matters
Finally, Bryan stresses the importance of presentation when serving cocktails. “The right glassware can elevate the drinking experience and enhance the flavours of the cocktail,” he says. “Choose glassware that complements the style and ingredients of the cocktail, whether it’s a classic coupe for a martini or a tall highball glass for a refreshing mojito.”
With that in mind, here are a few cocktail recipes for you to try out at home – now you know exactly what you’re doing!
Cucumber Spritz – Hendrick’s Gin
Ingredients:
30ml Hendrick’s Original
10ml Sugar syrup
Lemon juice
Soda water
3 cucumber wheels and mint leaves to garnish
Method:
- Combine all ingredients in a wine glass.
- Top with soda water.
- Garnish with cucumber wheels and mint leaves.
Tropical Storm – Inchydoney Island Lodge & Spa
Ingredients:
1 Shot of Jameson
½ Shot of Blue Curacao
Double Measure of Orange Juice
20ml Grenadine
Ice
Equipment:
Hurricane Glass, Cocktail Shaker, Ice Crusher, Measure, Double Measure (Cocktail Straw and Umbrella – optional!).
Method:
- Fill your glass to the top with crushed ice.
- Add 1 Shot of Jameson and a half shot of Blue Curacao to your shaker.
- Add crushed ice and shake thoroughly then pour mix slowly into glass.
- Fill a double measure of orange juice and pour in slowly. Wait for the colours to separate.
- Once colours have separated slowly pour in 20mls of Grenadine.
- Decorate your drink with straw and umbrella then serve. Mix your drink to see the colour.
Clean Margarita – Clean.Co
Ingredients:
50ml Clean T
50ml Fresh lime juice
1tsp agave syrup
Pinch of salt
Ice
Salt and 2 lime wedges to garnish
Method:
- Sprinkle a few teaspoons of salt over the surface of a small plate or saucer. Rub one wedge of lime along the rim of a tumbler and then dip it into the salt so that the entire rim is covered.
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice, then add the tequila, lime juice and agave.
- Shake until the outside of the shaker feels cold.
- Strain the mix into the prepared glass over fresh ice.
- Serve with a wedge of lime.
