It’s cocktail time : )
So… I promised you guys some drinks and so far I haven’t delivered. My bad! I’m about to rectify that situation though.
As well as talking you through my favourite of this summers drinks I’m also going to tell you about my favourite beer snacks! Let’s face it, you can’t drink and not eat right?
Lately there has been a huge surge in the amount of donut peaches out there and I’ve definitely made the most of that. My first summertime cocktail of choice is a take on a white sangria using peaches. If you cant get hold of donut peaches just use regular, as long as they are ripe and ready they work just as well!
As easy as this drink is to make the most important step is the ‘smushing’ very technical term obviously HAHA! Once your peaches are cut up put them in a jug with a couple of tablespoons of sugar then smush until you are left with only a few whole pieces and so that the juices are released.
I then add a bottle of white wine, I used a Sainsbury’s pinot grigio (the Sainsbury’s house one is delish) and then leave it like this until you’re ready to drink it. Finish it off with a few berries for colour and a splash of soda water.
The great thing about this drink is that you can prep it in advance and tailor the strength to suit your guests. It works just as well if blended too. The only difference is the consistency, it makes it a lot thicker and more smoothie like, works for some.
Next up is one that packs a massive fibrous punch! If you are not a fan of smoothies because of the texture then this one is definitely not for you. However, if you can bypass the texture because of the hefty slug of gin I put in then you definitely have to give it a bash.I love the freshness of a watermelon and as great as it is to snack on in summer it also works well in cocktails. Now I am by no means and will never call myself a connoisseur of gin but I know what I like and what I like it with.
So here goes, with this I used a lovely glug of Tanqueray with a handful of watermelon and apple and blitzed. Yeah that’s all, simple right? It tastes so light and fresh but as I said it is bitty so watch out. Make sure you use a watermelon that is ripe so you get the full flavour.
It can be an absolute pain in the backside to de-seed a watermelon so if you don’t have a JB to pick out the seeds I feel for you because it is hard going. That being said, I do only ask him to pick out the black seeds as they are harder and affect the flavour, leave the little white ones in because they actually give a little protein boost. Fountain of knowledge today aren’t I HAHA.
Thirdly and arguably the most summery of them all my totally tropical. I have to admit, this one turned me from someone who was indifferent about smoothies into someone who likes them….GASP!Like the others, this one is super simple. I use frozen mango for the temperature as well as the gurantee that you are getting a ripe well flavoured fruit. Throw in some fresh pineapple and some soda then blitz. It has such a smooth texture and because it is so cold it is more similar to a slush!
This is by far THE most appealing of them all if you guys have with a sweet tooth, plus it is natural sugars so win win! I knocked up the booze free version for my little cousins and they loved it! To turn it into a grown up beverage add splash of cognac and you are good to go.
Last but not least and another shout out for gin, for which I make no apologies…
This gin berry fizz is like summer in your mouth. Honestly! As you can see I use highly technical mixology equipment : ) I don’t make cocktails often so have never really thought to invest but that’s obviously about to change now these pictures are out there for everyone to see… oops.
So, how to make it? Whack some frozen berries into your measuring jug with a splash of fresh lemon juice and a couple of tablespoons of granulated sugar. I use the coarser sugar as it helps break down the berries. Smush (or muddle seeing as though we are being technical…HAHA) them all together using the end of a rolling pin and add your gin.
For this one I use bombay sapphire, the juniper, lemon and liquorice undertones work perfectly with the earthy berries. Have it as is, over crushed ice or turn it into a long drink with soda water.
So that’s the drinks all done, now for the perfect accompaniments. Chances are if you’re drinking cocktails like this you want some picky or sociable food right? This is were my picky tea always comes up trumps! Go for the rum ribs, my crispy panko baked chicken, some whitebait, gyoza or knock yourselves out and have all 4… I would : ) the more the merrier… literally.
Enjoy x
Bea's Bites Online 
I like these a lot! That summer berry gin looks especially delicious.
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Thanks Jess, let me know if you make any of them x
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