The summer season is officially here, and as the temperature finally becomes bearable by dusk, it is the perfect time for friends and family to gather to catch up. Low-key house parties are having a bit of a moment. With a great spread of appetisers and main courses, well-crafted, summer-friendly drinks truly complete the menu.
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Go beyond the conventional sodas or standard mixers. You need to put drinks on the menu that capture the tropical essence in a glass. From citrusy and savoury to tropical and sweet, you can draw in all the flavours of the summer season, and even beginners can do it. No pro-level mixology skills are required; it is just about having the right ingredients and following the method.
Jones Kurien, assistant restaurant manager at Unseen, Assagao in Goa, shared with HT Lifestyle 5 summer-inspired drinks.
“Summer cocktails reflect a broader summer trend—drinks that prioritise balance, freshness, and nuanced flavour without compromising on character. Whether built tall with soda or blended with fruit, they are designed for unhurried consumption in warm weather,” he said, revealing how the drinks’ profiles are inspired by the notes trending in the summer season.
1. Pandan Poppins
Flavour notes: Herbal, bitter, effervescent. Grassy, vanilla-like scent of pandan rounds out the sharp bite of Campari
Ingredients:
- 20 ml pandan vodka
- 20 ml Campari
- 22 ml sweet vermouth
- 45 ml sparkling wine
- 45 ml soda
- 4 drops saline
Method:
2. Dusk on the Delta (Love Bug)
Flavour notes: Citrusy, savoury, cooling, bright. Clean tequila notes with cucumber and a hint of salt
Ingredients:
- 60 ml tequila blanco
- 20 ml lime juice
- 20 ml cucumber saccharum
- Pinch of kosher salt
- 60 ml soda
Method:
- Shake all ingredients except soda; top with soda
Garnish: Cucumber peel
3. Bombay Orange
Flavour notes: Earthy, smoky, citrusy. Sweetness of blood orange, grounded blood orange with the root flavour of khus.
Ingredients:
- 60 ml khus-infused gin
- 30 ml blood orange syrup
- Smoked paprika and sea salt rim
Method:
4. Missionary Downfall
Flavour notes: Tropical, fresh, sweet. Classic pineapple and peach sweetness, with mint’s freshness.
Ingredients:
- 30 ml white rum
- Mint leaves
- 60 ml pineapple puree
- 30 ml peach liqueur
- 15 ml lime juice
- 15 ml honey syrup
Method:
Garnish: Mint sprig and pineapple
5. Chocolate Old Fashioned
Flavour notes: Rich, spiced. Dark cocoa and muscovado sugar give it a heavy mouthfeel.
Ingredients:
- 60 ml cocoa-infused bourbon
- 7 ml muscovado sugar syrup
- 1 dash orange bitters
- 1 dash aromatic bitters
- 1 dash chocolate bitters
Method:
- Stirred over a large ice block
Garnish: Chocolate chips