WThis is an easy take on a beverage found on the seasonal cocktail list. It's a batch prepared mix which is loaded full of tastes of a holiday season, making it ideal for hosting a festive gathering. Any leftover citrus syrup you can use for breakfast cocktails, sweets, or to mix additional servings of bikinis.
The Bikini Cocktail
Makes enough for 10 guests
For the Citrus Syrup (makes 750ml)
300ml fresh clementine juice
200ml recently pressed lemon juice
500g caster sugar
For the Cocktail (produces 850ml, serving 10)
400ml decent vodka
100ml London dry gin
150ml peach-flavored liqueur
200ml clementine syrup (see above)
Fresh cranberries, to garnish
Mandarin essential oil, for finishing
Directions
To prepare the Citrus Syrup: Put all the ingredients into a pot, heat until it reaches a simmer, agitating until the sugar dissolves. Then, turn off the stove and leave to cool fully. Transfer to a sealable bottle, seal and refrigerate it chilled, where it will keep for up to a month.
For the Premix: Pour all the liquid ingredients in a large bottle, allow it to infuse for 60 minutes, then strain preferably using cheesecloth, to ensure it's fully clarified.
To serve: Measure 85ml of the premix to a cocktail shaker filled with ice, gently stirring gently for a minute to cool it down. Strain into an cold coupe glass or a similar vessel, decorate with the cranberries and complete it using a light spray of the essential oil over the drink.
