Does anything complement a plate of oysters better than a cool fruity cocktail? This summer whether you’re enjoying the British sunshine or have just come back from a vacation in the Med, you’ll be in need of some light refreshment.
Fish and chips on the beach may be a British summer standard, but as we’re experiencing a heat wave we might as well up the ante with our fishy recipes.
Gizzi Erskine, the new Sunday Times food guru, is bringing the summer taste fresh from the ocean. Her seafood recipes are truly mouth-watering. If you’re an oyster lover, then try them out with shallot vinegar or a Vietnamese dressing, or for a more hands on approach, why not try her Singapore chilli crab; the sweet chilli sauce truly transforms the meaty fish. Last but by no means least is her pan- fried seabass served in a saffron broth full of clams; this dish is perfect for a summer evening gathering. Now the only thing you have to decide is which iced cocktail you will pair it with. (Be mindful, to complement the seafood dishes the cocktails should incorporate citrus flavours.) My criteria for the ultimate summer cocktail is that they must be delicately balanced, include a fruity component, and be served icy cold or frozen.
So what will you opt for?
The Ultimate Ketel One Lemonade– Lemonade and summer go together like sand and surf. You’ll need 45 mls of Ketel One Citroen Vodka, 75mls of fresh lemonade, and one piece of lemon wheel.
1. Shake vodka and lemonade with ice in a cocktail shaker.
2. Strain into ice-filled highball glass.
3. Garnish with a lemon wheel.
The Mojito– Infused with mint and lively fresh lime, mojitos are fresh and are the perfect summer meal refreshment. You’ll need 12 whole mint leaves, 38 mls Original Spiced Rum, 5 mls sugar, 15 mls lime juice, 60 mls soda water.
1. Place mint leaves in bottom of glass.
2. Add crushed ice, Original Spiced Rum, sugar, and lime juice, and mix.
3. Add soda water and garnish with mint leaves.
A Cîroc Chic– For this fruity blend you’ll need 45 mls Cîroc Vodka, 45 mls pomegranate juice, 30 mls pineapple juice, 1 slice of pineapple.
1. Add Cîroc Vodka, pomegranate juice, and pineapple juice.
2. Shake with ice and strain into a pre chilled martini glass.
3. Garnish with a pineapple slice.