The Holiday Drink – How to Make It
WHere is a home-style take on a drink found on a new cocktail list. It's a party-sized premix which is packed with the flavours of a festive period, rendering it excellent for a holiday party. Reserve the remaining cordial to use in brunch beverages, puddings, or to make more rounds of bikinis.
Bikini Recipe
Makes enough for 10 guests
Ingredients for the Clementine Cordial (produces 750ml)
300ml recently pressed clementine juice
200ml recently pressed lemon juice
500g granulated sugar
To make the Premix (yields 850ml, to serve 10)
400ml good quality vodka
100ml dry gin
150ml peach schnapps
200ml citrus syrup (as made above)
Whole cranberries, to garnish
Mandarin essential oil, as a final touch
Directions
To prepare the Syrup: Put all the items into a pot, bring to a simmer, agitating until the sugar dissolves. Then, turn off the stove allowing it to cool down entirely. Decant to a sealable bottle, close it keeping it in the fridge, where it will keep for up to four weeks.
Preparing the Cocktail Base: Combine all the liquid ingredients into a big jug, allow it to infuse for one hour, then filter it preferably using cheesecloth, making it fully clarified.
When ready to serve: Measure 85ml from the premix to a cocktail shaker filled with ice, and agitate carefully for a minute to cool it down. Pour into a chilled martini glass or a similar vessel, top with some cranberries adding the final touch by giving it a light spray of the essential oil over the drink.
