It’s still summer and very few things can cool you off on an extremely hot and dry summer day than a refreshing and delicious cocktail.
Head chef at BON Hotel in Empangeni, Stacey Botha, shares her three thirst-quenching cocktails to enjoy at sundowners, brunch or however you prefer to unwind.
The classic. Picture: Supplied
The classic
There’s nothing quite as refreshing as the fizz of soda water and crushed mint leaves, which is probably why the mojito has remained a summer staple for so many years. Here’s how to perfect yours.
Ingredients
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50ml of your favourite white rum
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25ml sugar syrup*
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15ml lime cordial
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200 ml soda water
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5 crushed mint leaves
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1 cup of crushed ice
Method
Shake these up in your cocktail shaker and serve up.
The adventurous. Picture: Supplied
The adventurous
Watermelon is synonymous with childhood summer days around the pool, and this frozen cocktail will spark a sense of nostalgia while cooling you down:
Ingredients
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1 cup of frozen watermelon
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25ml sugar syrup
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50ml fresh lemon juice
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50ml of your favourite spiced rum
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1 cup of crushed ice
Method
Mix these ingredients together for a refreshing burst of flavour.
The crowd-pleaser. Picture: Supplied
The crowd pleaser
Not a fan of spirits, or having people over who don’t drink? That’s no reason to miss out on the fun of a drink to sip on, especially if it’s as pretty as this berry blaze:
Ingredients
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125ml mixed frozen berries
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25ml lime cordial
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25ml sugar syrup
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250ml crushed ice
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Fresh mint to garnish
Method
Mix these up in your blender and pop on a leaf or two of mint - fin.
Making your own sugar syrup
In a high-sided saucepan over medium-high heat, bring equal quantities of cold water and sugar to a boil. Turn the heat to low and stir constantly until the sugar dissolves completely and the mixture is clear, approximately 3 to 5 minutes. Remember – the longer you boil it, the thicker the syrup will be when cooled.