The Holiday Drink – How to Make It

WThis is an easy interpretation of a beverage found on a new menu. It's a party-sized premix that is loaded with the flavours of the holiday season, which makes it excellent for your festive gathering. Any leftover citrus syrup for breakfast cocktails, puddings, or to make more rounds of the drink.

The Bikini Cocktail

Makes enough for 10 people

Ingredients for the Citrus Syrup (produces 750ml)

300ml fresh clementine juice
200ml recently pressed lemon juice
500g granulated sugar

To make the Cocktail (yields 850ml, serving 10)

400ml good quality vodka
100ml classic gin
150ml peach liqueur
200ml clementine cordial (see above)
Whole cranberries, as a garnish
Mandarin essential oil, as a final touch

Instructions

Making the Syrup: Place the listed components into a pot, heat until it reaches a gentle boil, stirring until the sugar dissolves. After that, remove from the burner allowing it to cool fully. Pour into an clean bottle, seal keeping it in the refrigerator, it can be stored for up to four weeks.

For the Cocktail Base: Pour all the liquids into a sizeable container, allow it to infuse for one hour, then pass it through best through muslin, making it fully clarified.

When ready to serve: Pour 85ml of your premix into your stirring glass containing ice, gently stirring carefully for about 60 seconds until cold. Pour into a chilled martini glass or a similar vessel, garnish with some cranberries adding the final touch by giving it a light spray with the mandarin essence above the glass.