Summer calls for light, refreshing, well-chilled drinks. From the smoky Paloma to the floral Ruby Blossom and the tropical Flor Colada, Premier Wines & Spirits brings you five recipes that show just how varied modern mixology can be. And the good news? You don’t need a professional bar to make them.
A summer cocktail doesn’t have to mean a complicated recipe, a long list of ingredients, or professional-grade equipment. Often, all you need is a quality spirit, a good mixer, ice, and one distinctive ingredient to give the drink its character.
It is precisely this simplicity that forms the basis of Premier Wines & Spirits’ summer cocktail collection. Five different recipes offer five distinct flavour profiles – ranging from citrus freshness through floral and fruity notes to a hint of smokiness, bitterness, or tropical sweetness.
Paloma: citrus freshness with a smoky character
If you like more distinctive drinks with a hint of smokiness, the Paloma is a good place to start. The base is 4 cl of San Cosme mezcal, complemented by Thomas Henry Pink Grapefruit soda. Simply pour the mezcal into a tall glass filled with ice, top up with the grapefruit soda, and stir gently. A slice of fresh grapefruit then adds not only aroma to the drink but also a summery visual touch. The result is a refreshing combination of citrus freshness, a subtle smoky character, and a slightly bitter finish.
Ruby Blossom: whisky with a floral twist
Ruby Blossom shows that whisky doesn’t have to be just for chilly evenings. This combination brings together 4 cl of Graham’s Blend No. 12 with 1 cl of Giffard lychee syrup and Thomas Henry Cherry Blossom tonic. The lychee adds a subtle fruity sweetness, while the cherry blossom tonic brings floral notes. Simply pour everything into a glass with ice, top up with tonic, and give it a gentle stir. It’s an elegant, refreshing drink for those moments when you’re looking for something a little less predictable than a classic gin and tonic, but still want that light, summery feel.
Pampelmouse: a non-alcoholic citrus bitter
For lovers of citrus and slightly bitter flavours, there’s the Pampelmouse. This non-alcoholic version combines 5 cl of UNDONE Not Orange Bitter, 2 cl of Giffard grapefruit syrup, and soda water. Combine the ingredients in a glass filled with ice, top up with soda water, and garnish with a slice of grapefruit. The result is a light, refreshing drink built on citrus flavour and subtle bitterness. It works well as a summer refresher and as an alternative to alcoholic cocktails.
Shanky’s Tonic: whisky, vanilla and citrus
Shanky’s Tonic features the whisky liqueur Shanky’s Whip, complemented by classic Thomas Henry tonic. The recipe is simple: pour 4 cl of Shanky’s Whip into a glass filled with ice, top up with tonic, and garnish with a slice of lemon. Despite its simplicity, this combination offers an interesting flavour profile, with notes of vanilla, citrus, and subtle spices that give this classic long drink a slightly different character.
Flor Colada: tropical refreshment
Rounding off the five is the Flor Colada, which transports you straight to tropical waters. The base consists of 4 cl of Flor de Caña 4 Year rum and Anjola fritz-limo. All you need to add is ice and a slice of lime. Simply combine the rum and lemonade in a glass with ice, add the lime, and stir gently. The result is a refreshing tropical drink with the subtle sweetness of rum and a slightly citrusy finish. It’s exactly the sort of cocktail you can easily picture enjoying on a terrace, by the pool, or during a long evening with friends.
Five drinks, five different summer moods
What’s particularly interesting about this collection is the variety of flavour profiles it offers. The Paloma focuses on grapefruit and smokiness, the Ruby Blossom on floral and fruity notes, the Pampelmouse on subtle bitterness, Shanky’s Tonic on vanilla, citrus, and spices, and the Flor Colada on tropical freshness. The common thread is how simple they are to make. None of the drinks requires any complicated mixology techniques – all you need are quality ingredients, ice, a glass, and a few minutes. And perhaps that’s precisely where the magic of summer cocktails lies: you don’t have to wait for a bartender to make them for you. Just open up your home bar, choose according to your mood, and get mixing.
