WHere is a home-style interpretation of a drink from the seasonal menu. This is a batch prepared mix that's loaded with flavours associated with Christmas time, which makes it excellent for a festive gathering. Reserve the remaining citrus syrup you can use for morning drinks, sweets, or to make more rounds of this cocktail.
The Bikini Cocktail
Makes enough for 10 guests
To make the Citrus Syrup (produces 750ml)
300ml newly squeezed clementine juice
200ml recently pressed lemon juice
500g caster sugar
Ingredients for the Premix (makes 850ml, to serve 10)
400ml decent vodka
100ml London dry gin
150ml peach liqueur
200ml citrus syrup (from the recipe above)
Fresh cranberries, to garnish
Mandarin essential oil, for finishing
Method
To prepare the Cordial: Place the listed items in a pan, bring to a gentle boil, mixing to dissolve. Next, take off the stove allowing it to cool down entirely. Transfer to a sterilised bottle, seal and store chilled, it can be stored for about four weeks.
To make Batch Mix: Pour all the liquids in a big jug, allow it to infuse for 60 minutes, then pass it through best through muslin, to ensure it's completely strained.
When ready to serve: Measure 85ml from the batch mix into your cocktail shaker packed with ice, gently stirring carefully for one minute to chill. Strain to a chilled martini glass or equivalent, decorate with the cranberries and complete it with a brief mist of the essential oil above the glass.
