WThis is a home-style interpretation of a beverage from the seasonal drinks list. This is a large-volume prepared mix which is bursting full of tastes of a holiday season, which makes it ideal for hosting a holiday party. Any leftover syrup to use in brunch beverages, puddings, or to mix more rounds of the drink.
The Bikini Cocktail
Yields 10 people
To make the Citrus Syrup (makes 750ml)
300ml fresh clementine juice
200ml fresh lemon juice
500g caster sugar
Ingredients for the Cocktail (makes 850ml, to serve 10)
400ml premium vodka
100ml London dry gin
150ml peach liqueur
200ml citrus syrup (from the recipe above)
A few cranberries, for garnish
Mandarin essential oil, to finish
Method
To prepare the Citrus Syrup: Put the listed components into a saucepan, heat until it reaches a simmer, agitating so the sugar melts. After that, remove from the heat and leave to cool down entirely. Transfer into an sealable bottle, seal and refrigerate it in the refrigerator, where it will keep for up to one month.
Preparing the Batch Mix: Pour all the liquid ingredients into one big jug, allow it to infuse for one hour, then pass it through , ideally through muslin, making it completely strained.
When ready to serve: Measure 85ml from the batch mix to a stirring glass packed with ice, gently stirring lightly for a minute to cool it down. Strain into an frosted cocktail glass or similar, garnish with some cranberries and complete it by giving it a quick spritz of mandarin oil over the drink.
