Whether you like your cocktails simple and sophisticated or bright and bold, we’ve got the lowdown on the creative concoctions worth toasting to. Bottoms up!
Negroni, Italy
Aperitivo hour in Italy means one thing, Negroni time! Made up of equal parts Campari, sweet vermouth and gin, the end result is a balanced blend of citrus and herbal notes. Its story can be traced back to 1919 at the Caffe Casoni in Florence, when Count Camillo Negroni ordered his favourite cocktail, the Americano, with gin instead of soda water.
To make:
- 30ml Campari
- 30ml gin
- 30ml sweet vermouth
- 1 orange slice
Cheers in Italian: Cin! Cin!
This bubbly beverage contains just two ingredients: crème de cassis (blackcurrant liqueur) and champagne. Easy to make and even easier to drink, it’s bound to become one of your summer staples. As it’s so sweet, it’s best paired with salty treats like olives.
To make:
- 1 tablespoon crème de cassis
- 125ml champagne
- Fresh berries for garnish
Cheers in French: Santé!
Sangria, Spain
Spanish Sangria calls for a fruity red wine, traditionally from the Rioja region. Add to that a splash of brandy, fresh fruit and soda water and you’ve got yourself an oh-so refreshing combination. You can also find versions made with white wine, typically Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc.
To make:
- 2 oranges
- 750ml red wine
- 100ml brandy
- 300ml soda water
- 200g fresh berries
Cheers in Spanish: Salud!
Porto Tonico, Portugal
Portugal’s answer to the Aperol spritz, Porto Tonico’s a marvellous mix of white port and tonic. White port is produced using white grapes and is unique to the Douro Valley. It’s served over ice and typically garnished with a slice of lemon or orange.
To make:
- 50ml white port
- 150ml tonic water
- Mint leaves and lime wedges to garnish
Cheers in Portuguese: Saúde!
Gemišt, Croatia
On a hot summer’s day in Croatia, nothing beats a glass of thirst-quenching Gemišt (white wine and sparkling mineral water). Wine making is a huge part of the country’s culture, so be sure to get in the sipping spirit!
To make:
- 75ml dry white wine
- 75ml sparkling water
Cheers in Croatian: Živjeli!
Ouzo lemonade, Greece
This simple cocktail celebrates Greece’s national drink, ouzo. A glug of lemonade and a sprig of mint dilutes the strong anise flavour. Other aromatics are also often added, like cinnamon and cloves.
To make:
- 50ml ouzo
- 100ml lemonade
- Mint leaves
Cheers in Greek: Yamas!
Czech Mule, Czech Republic
A botanical spirit called Becherovka is the main character in this zingy cocktail, but it’s the addition of ginger and lime which really makes the flavours sing. Becherovka is the oldest alcohol brand in the Czech Republic, produced since 1807!
To make:
- 50ml Becherovka
- 100ml ginger beer
- 15ml fresh lime juice
Cheers in Czech: Na zdraví!
Posted: 28th Jun 2024.