Summer hasn’t quite made it on our British soil… yet! With engagement parties and other soirees going on, refreshing cocktails are still in order, so every summer we create a signature cocktail and Mocktail to keep our guests refreshed. We have been shaking and stirring in our kitchen to come up with ideas and after a few fuzzy heads we have decided on a Cucumber and Mint Sparkler for the drinkers and for the non-drinkers, a grown up Apple & Elderflower Sparkler. Delicious, new, refreshing and low in calories…
Cucumber-Mint Sparkler
Serves: 4 people
4-inch piece of seedless cucumber, finely chopped
50ml fresh lime juice (juice from 2 limes)
4 shots/175ml vodka
8 teaspoons mint sugar syrup (recipe below)
Prosecco
For the Mint Sugar Syrup:
115g Caster sugar
120ml water
Handful fresh mint leaves
For Garnish:
4 slices cucumber
fresh mint
Ice
What to do… Mint Sugar Syrup – In a small saucepan, bring the sugar, water and mint leaves to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer, swirling the saucepan occasionally, until the sugar dissolves, 1-2 minutes. DON’T stir or it forms crystals. Remove from the heat and cool completely before using.
In a cocktail shaker or jug, muddle the chopped cucumber with the lime juice. Add the vodka, mint syrup and a few ice cubes, and shake or stir vigorously. Strain into 4 glasses filled with ice and top with Prosecco. Garnish with a cucumber slice and a mint sprig.
Tip… The mint syrup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. It will come in handy for future baking. Feel free to get creative and let us know what you make.
Apple and Elderflower Sparkler
Serves: 4 people
75ml elderflower cordial
1 litre cloudy apple juice
Small handful mint leaves, roughly chopped
Bottle of sparkling water
For Garnish:
4 slices apple
Mint
Ice
What to do… Mix elderflower cordial with cloudy apple juice, add a small handful mint leaves and stir well. Fill long glasses with ice, half fill with the juice and top with chilled sparkling water. Garnish with an apple slice.
Tip… Once apples have been sliced squeeze a little lemon juice over, to prevent them going brown.
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