The Holiday Cocktail – The Method
WHere is a home-style version of a drink found on a new cocktail list. Designed as a party-sized premix which is loaded with essence of the festive period, making it excellent for your holiday party. Reserve the remaining citrus syrup to use in brunch beverages, desserts, or to mix more rounds of bikinis.
The Bikini Cocktail
Serves 10 people
For the Clementine Syrup (makes 750ml)
300ml fresh clementine juice
200ml recently pressed lemon juice
500g granulated sugar
Ingredients for the Cocktail (yields 850ml, enough for 10)
400ml decent vodka
100ml classic gin
150ml peach liqueur
200ml clementine cordial (as made above)
A few cranberries, as a garnish
Mandarin essential oil, for finishing
Directions
For the Cordial: Combine the listed items into a saucepan, bring to a simmer, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Then, turn off the burner and leave to cool entirely. Pour into a sealable bottle, cap it and store chilled, it will last for around a month.
Preparing the Batch Mix: Pour every liquids in a large bottle, allow it to infuse for one hour, then strain preferably using muslin, making it perfectly clear.
For serving: Pour 85ml of the cocktail base into a mixing glass containing ice, and agitate carefully for about 60 seconds to cool it down. Strain to a chilled martini glass or a similar vessel, top with the cranberries adding the final touch by giving it a light spray with the mandarin essence above the glass.
