The end of exams is in sight for many, if you’re not one of the lucky ones to have already finished, and weather-permitting many of us will be celebrating with a well-earned drink or two outside – summer is perfect cocktail time. We all know the classics like Mojitos or Sex on the Beach, so ever the adventurers HCX decided we’d broaden your culinary horizons by having a look at the not so commonly heard of cocktails that are out there. What’s more each of these average around 100 calories or less per glass which, trust us, is pretty good for a cocktail, so you can celebrate even more.
Bombay Magic
Makes a single glass
Ingredients:
· ¼ shot Tequila or Vodka
· ½ shot Cointreau
· Juice of Half a Lemon
· Sparkling Water
· Mint Leaf for Garnish (Optional)
Method:
For a real taste of summer these citrus and mint flavours are perfect. Simply add the lemon juice, Cointreau and vodka or tequila to a glass, top with sparkling water and add a mint leaf on top. Simple as you get.
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Elderflower Sparklers
Makes a single glass
Ingredients:
· 1tbsp Elderflower Concentrate/Syrup
· 60ml Sparkling Wine/Champagne
· 60ml Sparkling Water
· Edible Flowers or Mint Sprigs to Decorate (Optional)
Method:
This delicate and light drink would be great for brunch, and is best served ice cold. Pour the elderflower syrup into a glass, add sparkling wine and top with the sparkling water. Garnish with mint or, if you’re feeling particularly fancy, edible flowers.
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3. Blueberry-Lime Margarita
Makes two glasses
Ingredients:
· 2 cups of Ice
· 150g Frozen Blueberries
· 60ml Sparkling Water
· 2tbsp Frozen Limeade
· 1tbsp Lime Juice
· 80ml Tequila
· Wedge of Lime (Optional)
· Coarse Salt (Optional)
Method:
A frozen twist on the traditional margarita, sure to cool you down on a hot day. Combine the ice, blueberries, sparkling water, limeade, limejuice and tequila in a blender and blend until smooth or to your desired consistency. If you want to serve them like normal margaritas, rub the lime wedge around the rims of your glasses and dip in salt, then divide the mixture between the two glasses and enjoy!
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4. Lynchburg Lemonade
Makes one glass
Ingredients:
· 50ml Whisky
· 25ml Lemon Juice
· 25ml Lime Juice
· Ice Cubes
· Diet Lemonade
Method:
Another ridiculously simple cocktail here, simply pour the whisky, lemon juice and lime juice over cubed ice and top with your preferred amount of diet lemonade. Refreshing with an edge.
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5. Sangria Sparkler
Makes a pitcher
Ingredients:
· Bottle of Dry Red Wine
· 240ml Orange Juice
· 60ml Brandy or Cognac
· 60ml Orange Liqueur
· 2tbsp Sugar
· 2 Medium Oranges
· 480ml Sparkling Water
· Crushed Ice
· Orange Peel (Optional)
Method:
What better drink to share in the summer than a hefty jug of sangria? In a large pitcher combine the wine, orange juice, brandy or cognac, orange liqueur, sugar and orange slices. Chill for at least two hours then add the sparkling water just before you serve. Pour into glasses of crushed ice and curled orange peel if you want to impress.
So why not give one of these delicious cocktails a try? Let’s just hope we get at least a few sunny summer days and balmy summer nights to accompany them!
Recipes and Images from: health.com, eatngwell.com, marieclaire.co.uk, fitnessmagazine.com