WThis is an easy version of a beverage featured on the seasonal drinks list. It's a batch pre-mixed which is packed with flavours associated with Christmas time, which makes it excellent for hosting a holiday party. Save the extra syrup to use in brunch beverages, desserts, or to mix more rounds of the drink.
The Bikini Cocktail
Serves 10 servings
To make the Clementine Syrup (yields 750ml)
300ml fresh clementine juice
200ml recently pressed lemon juice
500g fine sugar
Ingredients for the Drink (makes 850ml, enough for 10)
400ml decent vodka
100ml dry gin
150ml peach schnapps
200ml clementine cordial (as made above)
Whole cranberries, to garnish
Mandarin essential oil, as a final touch
Instructions
To prepare the Citrus Syrup: Combine the listed items into a pan, bring to a gentle boil, agitating so the sugar melts. Next, turn off the heat allowing it to reach room temperature fully. Decant into an sterilised bottle, cap it and store in the fridge, it will last for around four weeks.
To make Cocktail Base: Mix the specified spirits and syrup into a sizeable container, leave to sit for one hour, then filter it best through muslin, to ensure it's perfectly clear.
When ready to serve: Pour 85ml of the batch mix to a stirring glass containing ice, and agitate carefully for one minute until cold. Strain into an chilled martini glass or a similar vessel, top with the cranberries and complete it with a quick spritz with the mandarin essence over the drink.
