As the sun (hopefully!) begins its radiant reign over the English countryside, it is time to celebrate the arrival of summer with refreshing beverages which beckon relaxation and indulgence. At The Hope & Anchor, nestled in the picturesque town of Ross-on-Wye, we are well equipped for cocktail making, and wanted to share with you the latest summer cocktail trends which will surely tantalise your taste buds. Have a read, see what takes your fancy, and perhaps even try making one at home.
Garden-to-glass cocktails
Say goodbye to artificial flavours and hello to the freshest seasonal produce with garden-to-glass cocktails. Embracing the farm-to-table ethos, mixologists are crafting cocktails which highlight the bounty of the garden.
Start by muddling fresh herbs like basil or thyme with ripe fruits such as strawberries or cucumbers. Add a splash of your favourite spirit – gin, vodka; or tequila works beautifully – and finish with a spritz of soda for fizz. Garnish with a herb sprig or fruit slice for an Instagram-worthy sip as refreshing as it is delicious.
Fizz and bubbles
Effervescent cocktails are making a sparkling statement this season. From classic champagne cocktails to innovative spritzers featuring artisanal sparkling wines, there is a bubbly beverage for every palate. Indulge in an Elderflower Sparkler: a delicate blend of elderflower liqueur, prosecco and a hint of citrus, guaranteed to add delight to your summer soirées.
Tropical escapes
Transport yourself to sun-drenched shores with tropical-inspired cocktails which evoke the spirit of paradise. Bartenders and mixologists are curating collections of exotic potions infused with tropical fruits, coconut and herbs. The Mango Tango Margarita is sweet and tangy. To make the cocktail, start by muddling fresh mint in the bottom of a shaker. Add tequila, mango puree, lime juice and syrup to the shaker and fill it with ice. Shake vigorously until well chilled. Rim a rocks glass with salt, then strain the cocktail into the glass over fresh ice. Garnish with a sprig of fresh mint and a slice of lime.
Low-alcohol options
Embracing the wellness trend without compromising on flavour, low-ABV cocktails are gaining popularity among discerning drinkers. Whether you are looking to pace yourself or simply prefer a lighter libation, low-alcohol cocktails promise full flavour with a gentle buzz. Try sipping on a refreshing Aperol Spritz. The simple recipe for this traditional Italian cocktail is 3-2-1: three parts prosecco, two parts Aperol and one part sparkling water.
Sleepy girl mocktail
This viral drink offers a sleep hack with tart cherry juice and magnesium. It could be worth a try if you find it difficult to nod off at night. Not exclusive to girls – despite its name – it can be enjoyed by all.
The basic recipe for the sleepy girl mocktail is:
- 1/2 cup pure tart cherry juice
- 1 tablespoon of magnesium powder
- A bit of fizzy drink to cut it, such as soda or sparkling water
- Simply stir, sip and sleep tight
Interactive cocktail experiences
Elevate your summer celebrations with our exclusive cocktail masterclass. Led by our expert mixologists, you will learn the art of cocktail crafting while sipping on bespoke creations tailored to your taste preferences. Perfect for special occasions or a unique night out with friends, our cocktail masterclass promises an unforgettable experience filled with laughter, learning and, of course, delicious drinks.
To book your cocktail masterclass experience or reserve a table, visit our Cocktail Masterclass webpage today!
