Cool, crisp & crafted
These fun festive cocktails are sure to impress guests this holiday season. Refreshing, delicious and light, they’ll be on rotation all summer long.
cocktails KIRKY DONNELLY | photos ILK PHOTOGRAPHY
Dark coconut mojito
Dark coconut mojito
Enjoy this crisp cocktail on a hot summer’s afternoon.
MAKES 2 cocktails
INGREDIENTS
2 tbsp simple syrup
10+ fresh mint leaves (plus extra for garnish)
3-4 tbsp freshly squeezed lime juice
5 cucumber slices
60ml Millenhall Rum
120ml coconut water
Soda water, to top
Garnishes
Fresh mint leaves
Lime wedges
Cucumber ribbons (use a vegetable peeler)
METHOD
Juice the lime, then cut the remaining lime halves into wedges. Set aside half for garnish and half for mixing.
Slice 5 cucumber rounds, and use a vegetable peeler to create thin ribbons of cucumber for garnish.
In a cocktail shaker, combine the simple syrup, fresh mint leaves, cucumber rounds, lime juice, and lime wedges. Gently muddle together to release the flavours.
Add ice to the shaker, then pour in the rum and coconut water. Secure the lid and shake well.
In two tall glasses, add ice, mint leaves, and the leftover lime wedges.
Use the cucumber ribbons to circle around the inside of each glass.
Strain the cocktail mixture into the prepared glasses, stirring gently to combine. Top off with soda water for a refreshing fizz.
Berry gin spritz
Berry gin spritz
This delightful berry-infused cocktail suits festive occasions,
but is also great year round.
MAKES 2 cocktails
INGREDIENTS
30ml simple syrup
10-12 fresh or frozen raspberries
1 tbsp freshly squeezed lime juice
60ml Armada Premium Pink Gin
Tonic water, to top
Garnish
Fresh raspberries
Lime slices
METHOD
In a cocktail shaker, combine the simple syrup, raspberries, and lime juice. Muddle together to release the raspberry flavours.
Add the pink gin to the shaker, then fill with ice. Shake well.
If the mixture is too thick, remove the lid of the shaker and use a strainer to pour the cocktail into the glasses.
Create a beautiful gradient by pouring the mixture into two chilled glass flutes before adding the ice. Once the ice is in place, top with your choice of tonic water for a refreshing finish.
Garnish with fresh raspberries and a slice of lime.
Vanilla pear gin fizz
Liquid dessert, yes please! For a good-looking tipple, this sweet fizz
is super easy to put together.
MAKES 2 cocktails
INGREDIENTS
For the fresh pear juice
1 cup finely chopped ripe pear
⅔ cup cold water
1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
2 tbsp lemon juice
Seeds from 2 vanilla pods
For the cocktail
120ml fresh pear juice
60ml Armada Premium Dry Gin
30ml simple syrup
Prosecco, to top
Garnish
Fresh pear slices
Thyme sprigs
Leftover vanilla pods
METHOD
In a blender, combine the chopped pear, cold water, thyme leaves, lemon juice, and vanilla seeds. Blend until smooth.
Strain the pear purée through a fine mesh strainer to extract the juice. Chill the juice in the refrigerator until ready to use.
In a cocktail shaker, combine the chilled pear juice, simple syrup, and gin. Fill with ice and shake well.
In two glasses, add ice, a slice of pear, thyme sprigs, and your leftover vanilla pods for garnish. Divide the mixture evenly between the glasses and top off with Prosecco.
Sparkling cranberry Christmas
Cheers to Santa’s favourite festive drink.
MAKES 2 baubles
INGREDIENTS
1 cup cranberry juice
60ml Armada Premium Vodka
1 tbsp fresh lime juice
Prosecco, to top
Garnishes
2 sprigs fresh rosemary
Frozen cranberries
METHOD
In a carafe filled with ice, combine the cranberry juice, vodka, and lime juice. Stir gently to mix the ingredients.
Using a funnel, pour the mixture into your Christmas baubles, filling them about three-quarters full, depending on the size.
In two glasses, add ice, a handful of frozen cranberries, and a sprig of rosemary for garnish.
When you’re ready to enjoy, pour the contents of the baubles into the prepared glasses and top with Prosecco for a festive fizz.
Follow @kirkymareedonnelly for more impressive cocktail recipes and inspiration.
