Happy hour: cocktails to get the party started
Good news: the sun’s coming back out this weekend. Why not celebrate with a cocktail (or two)? From sunny sangria to alcohol-free lemonade, these refreshing recipes are sure to get the party started.
Add ingredients for all cocktails & mocktails here.
Sangria – This Spanish classic tastes just as good on a lazy sunny afternoon in an English garden.
• 1 bottle dry red wine • 1 tbsp sugar • 60ml brandy • 60ml Cointreau • 60ml orange juice • Sliced apple and orange • 250ml soda water • Ice
Pour the wine, sugar, brandy, liqueur and orange juice into a large jug. Add the fruit and stir, then chill in the fridge. Add some soda water and ice just before serving. Serve with a wooden spoon in the jug so guests can stop the fruit and ice as they pour, and spoon some on top if they like.
Ginger Beer Shandy – Simple and refreshing, with a gorgeous ginger kick.
• 6 bottles chilled white beer • 2 x 330ml cans chilled ginger beer • 6 tbsp lemon juice • 2 thinly sliced lemons • Mint sprigs, to garnish
Pour the beer and ginger beer into a large jug. Stir in the lemon juice and mint leaves. Pour into glasses over ice with a slice of lemon and a sprig or two of mint.
Raspberry and Lychee Blush – Light and delicately fruity, with a hint of the exotic.
• 500ml gin • 150g punnet raspberries • 3 sliced limes • 150ml Belvoir Raspberry & Rose Cordial • 750ml lychee juice
Add all the ingredients to a large jug and stir. Pour into tall glasses over ice cubes.
Peach Lemonade Cooler – Try this deliciously summery alcohol-free quencher.
• Juice of 2 lemons • Juice of 2 limes • Sliced lemon, lime, peach and strawberries • 500ml peach juice or nectar • 2 x 330ml cans cloudy lemonade • Fresh mint •Soda water to taste
Add the lemon and lime juices and the sliced fruit to a jug. Pour over the peach juice and then add the cloudy lemonade. Add the mint and top up with the soda water.