As the summer sun surges on, refreshing seasonal drinks are here to stay (fingers crossed!). By serving an exciting blend of local and exotic flavours, you can really elevate your guests’ experience. So, beyond the staples of lemon and lime, as brilliant and versatile as they are, here are some vibrant, tropical, and aromatic delights to get experimenting with:
Yuzu
This Japanese citrus fruit is gaining popularity in the UK for its unique, aromatic flavour, a blend of lemon, mandarin, and grapefruit. Yuzu-infused cocktails, such as yuzu margaritas and yuzu sours, offer a fresh twist that appeals to adventurous drinkers.
Mango
Mango’s sweet and succulent flavour is synonymous with tropical sunshine, making it a perfect addition to summer drinks. Mango mojitos, daiquiris, and margaritas are becoming favourites, providing a burst of tropical delight in every sip.
Coconut
Coconut’s creamy texture and distinct flavour make it a versatile ingredient for summer cocktails. Whether in coconut margaritas, rum punches, or mocktails, its offers a quintessential taste of the exotic.
Strawberry
Strawberries are at their peak in summer. Their fresh, ripe flavours enhance drinks like strawberry gin fizzes, sangrias, and spritzers, offering a sweet and slightly tart refreshment.
Blueberry
Blueberry mojitos, lavender spritzers, and basil gin and tonics showcase this delightful berry, which also appeals to health-conscious patrons for its antioxidant properties.
Lychee
Lychee’s sweet, floral flavour is a delightful addition to summer drinks. Although exotic, its growing trendiness in the UK means lychee martinis, mojitos, and sangrias are becoming more common.
Raspberry
Raspberries bring a vibrant colour and tangy sweetness to summer drinks. Raspberry mules, bellinis, and vodka lemonades are crowd-pleasers that never disappoint.
Basil
Grown in the UK, basil’s aromatic and slightly peppery flavour adds a sophisticated twist to summer beverages. Basil gimlets, strawberry basil margaritas, and basil-infused lemonades are refreshing options that elevate traditional cocktails.
Rosemary
Rosemary, a hardy herb that thrives in the UK, adds an earthy, pine-like flavour to cocktails. Rosemary gin fizzes, peach bellinis, and lemon spritzers are innovative choices that stand out for their unique taste and aromatic profile.
