The month of May will be extra special this year, as we enjoy a bank holiday bonanza with three Monday lie-ins on the calendar. It’s also the perfect time to spruce up on your cocktail making skills and enjoy the warmer days and longer evenings with family and friends. Here is some holiday cocktail inspiration!
Coronation cocktails
The reason for the extra bank holiday is of course the Coronation of King Charles III on 6 May at Westminster Abbey. Here are a few cocktail ideas to raise a glass to the historic occasion.
There are a few cocktails that have the royal stamp all over them, so any of these would be perfect to toast the new King. The Kir Royale is an obvious choice, and is also refreshing and easy to make. Simply mix some champagne or sparkling rosè wine with a teaspoon of crème de cassis, and garnish with a fresh blackberry.
If you are having a street party, then a jug of chilled Pimm’s is a must-have. The classic recipe contains chopped strawberries and cucumber, sliced orange, chopped mint, lemonade, and of course Pimm’s served with plenty of ice. To add a Royal twist, substitute the lemonade for champagne, but beware as this is a super strong drink.
For a non-alcoholic drink or mocktail, a triple-berry sparkler is a great choice. To make, chop some blueberries, strawberries and raspberries into an ice cube tray and freeze with some coconut water. Serve with soda water topped up with freshly squeezed lemon and lime juice and a teaspoon of honey.
Chilled out spring cocktails
The later May bank holiday should hopefully bring us some warm weather with plenty of opportunity to dust off the garden furniture and have the first outdoor gathering of the year. This calls for some fresh and fruity cocktails to welcome in the summer!
You can’t go wrong with a jug of sangria on a sunny afternoon. It’s easy to make and share around a larger gathering. The classic recipe is made with a light red wine, Spanish brandy, and sparkling water. This is mixed with chopped red berries such as strawberries and cherries, and chopped oranges, lemons, and pears sprinkled with sugar and cinnamon.
The fruit mixture should ideally be left to marinate in the refrigerator overnight to really blend those flavours together. When you are ready to serve, simply fill up a large jug with plenty of ice and stir in the fruit mixture with the rest of the liquids. A delicious drink that goes down well with everyone.
There are loads of twists on the classic sangria recipe, such as using different types of fruit or swapping the red wine for white. It’s the perfect chance to get creative and hone your cocktail making prowess.
An online cocktail making class can help you to really put the polish on your drink mixing skills.
