WHere is a home-style version of a beverage found on a new cocktail list. It's a batch prepared mix that's loaded with the essence of a holiday season, which makes it excellent for a festive gathering. Save the extra cordial for brunch beverages, puddings, or to make additional servings of the drink.
Bikini
Makes enough for 10 people
Ingredients for the Clementine Syrup (makes 750ml)
300ml recently pressed clementine juice
200ml fresh lemon juice
500g caster sugar
Ingredients for the Drink (yields 850ml, enough for 10)
400ml decent vodka
100ml dry gin
150ml peach schnapps
200ml clementine syrup (from the recipe above)
Whole cranberries, as a garnish
Mandarin essential oil, for finishing
Method
To prepare the Cordial: Combine all the components in a pot, heat until it reaches a gentle boil, mixing so the sugar melts. Then, turn off the burner allowing it to cool down completely. Pour to a sterilised bottle, close it and refrigerate it in the refrigerator, where it will keep for about a month.
To make Cocktail Base: Mix all the spirits and syrup into one big jug, leave to sit for one hour, then strain best through muslin, so it's fully clarified.
To serve: Measure 85ml from the premix into your stirring glass filled with ice, and stir lightly for a minute until cold. Filter into an frosted cocktail glass or a similar vessel, garnish with a few cranberries adding the final touch by giving it a quick spritz of the essential oil over the drink.
