Summer Cocktails

Now that the weather is warming up I thought we might take a look at some summer cocktails that are super simple to make and utterly delicious.

In the south of Spain people predominately drink red wine. During the summer, red wine at room temperature is too warm and difficult to drink. Hence the creation of Sangria, a mix of red wine, brandy, soda water and fruit. All a bit of a fuss but certainly worth the effort. However, the locals prefer to drink “Tinto de Verano” or “Summer Red Wine”. It’s dead simple to make and requires no fuss. Use a Crianza Tempranillo. In a tall glass filled with ice, fill half way with red wine. Top up with Sprite. Add a slice of lime (optional). And there you have it. Totally refreshing. Once you start drinking them it is hard to stop.

In Italy, people drink white wine and prosecco in the summer. But what they really drink a lot of is Aperol. Aperol is an Italian bitter apéritif with a vibrant orange color made from gentian, rhubarb and cinchona. Its name comes from apero, a French slang word for apéritif.

It is most commonly consumed in cocktail form called an Aperol Spritz which combines Aperol and Prosecco

Fill a large wine glass with plenty of ice. Add 3 parts Prosecco (75ml), and 2 parts Aperol (50ml) Add a dash of soda (25ml) and stir briefly. Garnish with an orange slice. Pure heaven and a brilliant way to begin a meal or just hang out with friends.

No summer, however, would be complete without the enjoyment of the ultimate summer drink; Gin and Tonic, or G&T

Fill a large goblet wine glass with plenty of ice. Add your favorite gin according to how strong you like your G&T (I prefer Spanish gins like The Alkkemist or GinRaw)

Top up with tonic water ( Fever Tree produces a fantastic tonic that is much lighter and less harsh than other names that have been popular. It comes in many flavors. I particularly like the Mediterranean tonic) Garnish with a slice of lemon and a sprig of mint. Divine.

Much of summer is about lazing around and doing nothing. Participating in this activity with a perfect cocktail in hand makes the indulgence all the more sweet!