5 Best Cocktails To Make For A BBQ

Can't believe that summer is nearly here. Only last week it was cold, wet and windy and now we got temperatures of 20 Celsius. Maybe its down to the legendary English weather but Summer is nearly here, fingers crossed. There is not better way to celebrate Summer than to have a few sumptuous BBQ's which is why I have compiled this list of the 5 best cocktails to serve at a BBQ.

This Hub is dedicated to Ryan Hupfer.

Let's start off with a true British classic. Traditional Pimms No. 1 is almost as British as a cup of tea. I can guarantee that this is the perfect summer drink and we Brits down this stuff by the gallon.

Pimms No. 1 is a gin based drink that is the brainchild of James Pimm, owner of a bar called the Oyster in London in the 1840's. Pimm, used gin, quinine and a secret mixture of herbs to produce this pure British classic.

To make Pimms No. 1, make sure you stock up on oranges, lemons, apples, cucumbers and mint leaves. Slice the fruits into small pieces. The mint leaves are purely decorative and do not need to be squashed or muddled. If you are serving Pimms No.1 by the glass, each glass should contain a piece of each fruit and a sprig of mint leaves. If serving in Jugs, put equal amounts of fruit into each jug. Next pour one part Pimms No.1 and two part lemonade.

I'd suggest serving Pimms No.1 by the Jug because by the end of it, you can collect all the fruit that has been marinating in the alcohol and serve a delicious desert. Goes great with yoghurt.

Don't like the herby flavours or the Juniper character of Gin? Not a problem, next off we have a vodka based delight. Vodka is the most popular spirit in the world and the Moscow Mule is responsible for Vodka's speedy rise to fame in the Western World.

The Moscow Mule was invented in 1941, when Gin was the most dominant force. John Martin, a spirits distributor and John Morgan, proprietor of a ginger beer production facility teamed up and the Mule was born in Manhatton.

The Moscow Mule is a build cocktail just like Pimms No.1 which means you don't need a Manhattan shaker or strainer. Fill up a clean highball glass with ice. Next pour 2 shots of Vodka. I'd recommend Stolichnaya (Grey Goose is even better if you can afford it). Stay clear of Smirnoff, it's rubbish. Squeeze two lime wedges, add about three dashes of Angostura Bitters and top up with Ginger beer. To garnish, place a wedge of lime on the rim of the glass and a sprig of mint leaves for that extra colour. Enjoy.

Looking for a real fruity cocktail that even looks the part for summer? Perhaps you've heard the song or watched the movie? Yup, you guessed it, next we have the Tequila Sunrise.

Tequila Sunrise received mass popularization by being the title of songs, most notably a song by the Eagles which goes by the name of the cocktail. Mel Gibson also starred in a movie called.... You guessed it, Tequila Sunrise.

Tequila Sunrise is made in two ways, one sour and one fruity. For the purposes of this Hub, I will outline how to prepare a the more popular fruity Tequila Sunrise. Tequila Sunrise is once again a build cocktail as above so it is very easy to make. Fill half a highball glass with ice, add one shot of tequila and top up with orange juice, just below the rim of the glass. I like using orange juice with bits, Its much more summery if you know what I mean. Next add grenadine add more if you like it sweet. Watch as the heavier grenadine settles down to the bottom and you will realize why this beautiful cocktail is called a Tequila Sunrise.

Why not try a cocktail that is a wonderful fusion of sweetness, citrus and refreshing mint flavours all in one and packs a punch. This Cuban legend is here to stay.

The mojito was born in Cuba and some sources argue that this or a similar form was enjoyed as early as the 16th century. Since then, the Mojito has become one of the most popular cocktails in the world and is enjoyed all over. Nothing beats a glass or two of this wonderful concoction when the weather is nice.

There are several variations to this cocktail but I will illustrate the most popular version of the Mojito. The mojito is a build cocktail but you will need a muddler. Add a generous amount of lime juice, sugar and mint leaves to a highball glass. Next use a muddler to gently squeeze the mixture, and bruise the mint leaves so as to release the mint oils. This is crucial to preparing a good mojito. Add two shots of white rum, baccardi or even Jamican overproof Rum such as Wray and Nephew is just amazing for a Mojito. Stir the rum in order for it to dissolve all the sugar. Next fill the highball glass with crushed ice. Ice cubes also work but crushed ice is better if you have it. Next top up with soda water, garnish with lime wedges and mint leaves. Enjoy

We have now covered most of the major spirit groups except brandy, Malt whiskey and bourbons. In my opinion, Brandy and Malt Whiskies should never ever be mixed and should be enjoyed neat during the cold months, which is quite often in sunny ol' Britain. The last cocktail I bring you is for people like me who love bourbon.

The Bourbon sour is not a build cocktail and requires a Manhattan Shaker and Strainer. First off put crushed ice into the shaker, add two shots of your favourite Bourbon such as Jack Daniels (Pappy Van Winkle is simply beautiful if you can afford it). Next add a generous amount of lemon juice and a teaspoon of sugar syrup. You can either buy readymade sugar syrup which I recommend or make your own. Do not use Grenadine as it will discolour the cocktail and settle in the bottom. Shake the mixture well and strain into an old fashioned whiskey glass. Garnish with a maraschino cherry and a slice of orange.

There you have it, 5 five delicious cocktails to take you through summer. There's one for everyones own tastes, or maybe you love em all. In any case

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Cheers and to good health

Afthab

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