WHere is a home-style interpretation of a cocktail found on the seasonal drinks list. It's a batch premix which is bursting full of flavours associated with holiday season, making it ideal for hosting a festive gathering. Reserve the remaining citrus syrup you can use for brunch beverages, desserts, or to make more rounds of bikinis.
The Bikini Cocktail
Serves 10 guests
For the Citrus Syrup (produces 750ml)
300ml fresh clementine juice
200ml recently pressed lemon juice
500g caster sugar
Ingredients for the Cocktail (yields 850ml, enough for 10)
400ml premium vodka
100ml classic gin
150ml peach-flavored liqueur
200ml clementine cordial (see above)
Fresh cranberries, for garnish
Mandarin essential oil, as a final touch
Directions
For the Syrup: Put all the items into a pan, bring to a gentle boil, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Then, turn off the burner and leave to cool entirely. Pour into an sealable bottle, seal and store chilled, it will last for up to four weeks.
For the Cocktail Base: Combine every spirits and syrup into a sizeable container, leave to sit for an hour, then pass it through best through cheesecloth, to ensure it's perfectly clear.
For serving: Pour 85ml from the cocktail base to a stirring glass packed with ice, and stir carefully for a minute to chill. Pour to a chilled martini glass or similar, garnish with a few cranberries and finish using a quick spritz of mandarin oil above the glass.
