The Holiday Drink – The Method

WHere is an easy interpretation of a cocktail from the seasonal cocktail list. It's a batch prepared mix that is bursting with essence of a festive period, which makes it ideal for hosting a holiday party. Reserve the remaining citrus syrup to use in breakfast cocktails, puddings, or to mix additional servings of bikinis.

Bikini

Yields 10 people

Ingredients for the Clementine Cordial (yields 750ml)

300ml recently pressed clementine juice
200ml recently pressed lemon juice
500g fine sugar

For the Drink (makes 850ml, to serve 10)

400ml decent vodka
100ml classic gin
150ml peach-flavored liqueur
200ml clementine cordial (from the recipe above)
Fresh cranberries, as a garnish
Mandarin essential oil, for finishing

Directions

To prepare the Cordial: Combine every components inside a saucepan, bring to a simmer, mixing so the sugar melts. Then, remove from the stove and leave to cool fully. Pour to a sterilised bottle, seal and refrigerate it in the refrigerator, it will last for about a month.

For the Cocktail Base: Mix all the liquid ingredients into one big jug, leave to sit for one hour, then strain preferably using muslin, to ensure it's fully clarified.

When ready to serve: Add 85ml from the batch mix into a mixing glass packed with ice, gently stirring gently for a minute to chill. Filter into a frosted cocktail glass or similar, decorate with some cranberries and finish using a brief mist with the mandarin essence over the drink.