Gin is more popular than ever, and with this glorious weather we are having, it’s a good time to learn some simple serving options, for your next get-together or party.

You don’t need any fancy equipment for these speedy cocktails – even a jam jar will do as a shaker. It’s all about the love you put into the preparation and here at Arbutus Hospitality our cocktails are made with so much and care.

To get you started, here are a few tips to boost your cocktail-making confidence: 

• The key to making drinks is the balance between sweet and sour/bitter. Try not to let one element overpower the other. 

• Taste your drinks before you serve to make sure they’re wonderful.

• If serving over ice, fill your glass to the top with the stuff. 

• Ensure your garnish is fresh and stacked close to the straws. 

• Remember that we drink in three steps, with our eyes first, then with our nose and finally with our mouth, so your cocktails have to be pleasing at all three steps.

Bramble

You'll need:


40ml gin


20ml sugar syrup
2

0ml lemon juice


10ml crème de mure


Berries or lemon zest for garnish
 


Take a large measure of dry gin and shake together with the lemon and sugar syrup, pour over crushed ice and drizzle the crème de mure through the drink. Garnish with a lemon zest or some fresh seasonal berries. A true party pleaser.


French 75

You'll need:


10ml gin,


10ml orange liqueur


10ml lemon


5ml sugar


Fizz of your choice

Mix the gin, orange liqueur and lemon juice in a flute and top with chilled bubbly. Continue to party like it’s 2099.

Elderflower Collins

You'll need:


50ml gin


20ml lemon


10ml sugar syrup


10ml elderflower cordial


Soda to finish
 


Shake up the gin with the lemon, sugar and a dash of elderflower cordial. Pour over rock ice and lengthen with sparkling water. Decorate with a sprig of your favourite herb. If you’re feeling really fancy then top with sparkling wine to make an Elderflower Royale. 

Sloe gin fizz

You'll need: 


50ml sloe gin


20ml lemon


15ml syrup


20ml egg whites

Shake together the sloe gin, lemon, sugar syrup, a rosemary sprig and the fresh egg white with ice. Then, shake without the ice to ensure maximum frothage. Serve straight up in a wine glass with a slapped rosemary sprig aloft.


Martini 

Stirred NOT shaken.

You'll need: 

60ml gin


Vermouth to taste


Your chosen garnish
 


A Martini all about personal preference. The key elements to success are ensuring your vermouth is fresh, gin is quality and the garnish is appetising. Stir your required amount of gin with however much dry vermouth you like: the more you use the more herbal it will be. Stir to taste – it’s about finding the perfect dilution. Don’t be afraid to garnish your masterpiece with something that might seem peculiar either. Ensure your glass is frozen and the is liquid smooth… and RELAX!!

If you are interested in finding out more information about the catering packages available or you would like to develop your personal package, please do not hesitate and get in contact with a member of our friendly team we would be more than happy to help assist you with making some all-important planning decisions. Give us a call on 07818 673339