Cocktails have moved beyond pina coladas with an umbrella and glacé cherry garnish. Most discerning drinkers now know their cuba libres from their tequila sunrises – but they may not know how to make them at home.
With this in mind we’ve enlisted the help of Michal Golecki, Head Mixologist at Studio Bar at the luxury K West Hotel and Spa in London. He picks out his top four cocktails that are not just impressive to look at but are quick and easy to shake up with ingredients you already have in your fridge at home.
Vodka: Raspberry Caipiroska
Michal says: “The Caipiroska cocktail is a Russian twist on the well-known Brazilian cocktail caipirinha”.
Ingredients: 50ml Vodka; 4 lime wedges; 2 tablespoon Sugar; crushed ice, 3 raspberries
Method: Muddle all of the ingredients together, and pour over ice into a rock glass or tumbler. Garnish with a couple of raspberries. If you like your cocktails on the sweeter side, you can always top up with lemonade.
Gin: Elderflower G&T
Michal says: “This delicately coloured, refreshing take on the classic gin and tonic makes this the perfect beverage for spring”.
Ingredients: 50ml Gin; 25ml Elderflower cordial, 15ml fresh-squeezed Lime juice, tonic.
Method: Shake ingredients together with ice cubes and strain into a tall glass, top up with tonic. Garnish with a lime wedge.
Rum: The Cuba Libre a Casa
Michal says: “This cocktail is a great way to elevate a simple Rum and Coke!”
Ingredients: 50ml Dark Rum; Coca-Cola; 1 Lime
Method: Squeeze the lime into a highball glass over ice. Add the double shot of rum and then fill the glass with Coca-Cola. Stir and add a quarter of the lime.
Tequila: Tequilita Sunrise
Michal says: “The Tequilita Sunrise is easy to mix up at a moment’s notice, beautiful to look at, and deliciously fruity”.
Ingredients: 50ml Tequila; 50ml Orange juice, 10ml Grenadine.
Method: Pour the tequila over ice in a tall glass and top with orange juice and add the grenadine Add more grenadine for a sweeter flavour. Garnish with a slice of Orange or Grapefruit
