If there’s one thing that isn’t lacking during the UK lockdown, it’s time on our hands. With plans for London hotel packages thwarted and many jobs across the country now on hold, it might become apparent that there’s more time to learn something new and explore your interests on a deeper level. While this will certainly not be the case for everyone, especially those deemed key workers whose jobs will be more stressful than ever, and indeed furloughed parents who are left to look after children, there will be a number of people who are left twiddling their thumbs and looking for something fun to occupy their time.
Whilst it can’t be encouraged to drink excessively, especially when merely cooped up at home, it can be encouraged to cultivate new flavours and enjoy a well prepared liquid delight. Whether a video chat party with your friends or cocktail night with your partner or neighbours, there are still plenty of ways to expand your tastebuds. Here are just some of the many cocktail recipes that you can enjoy whilst under national lockdown.
Ginger Pear Cocktail
This simple and juicy cocktail is everything you’d want from an early summer cocktail. With the spicy kick of ginger and the smooth, subtle juice of pear, you already have a perfect combo before we even add the vodka. Often overlooked as a cocktail, there’s plenty to enjoy here, whether it be an evening wind-down or a garden cooler.
How to make
All you need for the ginger pear cocktail is an equal mix of ginger ale and pear juice. Any concentration will do. Make sure you mix thoroughly before adding a shot (or two!) of vodka to the mix.
Margarita
The Margarita gained popularity during the prohibition era in the USA. As an American and Mexican drink, this period of time aw many US citizens cross the border into Mexico to get themselves a tipple or two, and the Margarita was one of the most popular cocktails. There are a variety of Margarita variations out there but the one below is the most popular variation.
How to make
Take out your cocktail shaker (or improvised one if you don’t own) and mix up some tequila, Cointreau and lime juice inside it. Add some ice and salt to the mix to your taste and get shaking! Other variations of the margarita include alternatives to tequila, such as brandy, a more Anglicised version of the borderlands classic.
Marmalade Sandwich
A real-life Marmalade Sandwich would go perfectly with an Indian Afternoon Tea at the Lancaster Gate Hotel, but with the current lockdown situations, you’ll have to make do with finger sandwiches at home and if there’s no bread, then this lovely cocktail instead.
How to make
This cocktail is rather more complicated to make. First off is the quirky step of toast soaking your gin. Soak a piece of well-toasted bread in your gin for 2 hours, before adding a tablespoon of marmalade to 15 ml of Campari. Shake these up well in a cocktail shaker until fully blended and then discard your bread slice from the gin. Add 100 ml of gin, 2 tablespoons of lemon juice and 2 drops of angostura bitters per glass to the cocktail shaker. Mix these all up and serve this well-textured, rich flavoured and quintessentially English cocktail.
English Country Garden
Whether you’re a previous Lancaster Gate Hotel London guest or are a local of the UK capital, you’ll no doubt be aware of how idyllic a landscaping statement Kensington Gardens is. If you want to recreate the feeling of a classic English garden, then why not try the recipe for this superb British cocktail.
How to make
Add a generous serving of gin, elderflower liqueur, apple juice and lime juice to a cocktail shaker and then strain into a tall glass with ice. Once this is done, add ribbons of cucumber to the mix for a cool and crisp finish and a sweet, fruity cocktail that has instant returnability.
Mimosa
Mimosas are a well-loved classic for the summer, and if you’re lounging in your garden like much of the country is, then you’ll no doubt want something to kick back with. The mimosa is a classic champagne brunch staple that goes down perfectly with a Park Grand Restaurant breakfast time celebration.
How to make
There are many variations to the mimosa, and they all depend on the kind of fruit juice that you are drawn to. Most of the time, however, these fruit juices would go down well with breakfast, and so the zesty sing of orange or pineapple juice are often used. You can mix cranberry juice in as well, simply topping up your prosecco or champagne with the juice in question.
Negroni
The famous negroni combines the bitterness of orange peel with the winey kick of vermouth and a soft cherry landing. The negroni is incredibly simple and can be very potent, so handle with care when creating this age-old classic cocktail.
How to make
You can make a negroni with or without the gin top up, but with it, you have an extra rich flavour, it just depends on whether you can handle it! The other ingredients in a Negroni include Campari aperitif mixer, sweet vermouth and ice, ensuring a crisp, fruity flavour that really does pack a punch. Make sure not to forget the orange peel, which adds an authentic fruity taste.
Old Fashioned
For those who like their whiskey mixed well, the Old Fashioned is a sweet and simple cocktail that melds brown sugar, bourbon or rye whiskey. The two specific whiskey types have been specially mixed to ensure a rich and wholesome flavour.
How to make
Mix your bourbon or rye whisky with angostura bitters, in a cocktail shaker. Pour the mixture and sprinkle some brown sugar on top for extra flavour.
G&T
The Gin and tonic is a classic summer drink that mixes tonic water with gin. There are a variety of garnishes and measures you can use to enhance and accentuate certain flavour notes of this famous drink, but the simplicity of the gin and tonic is certainly part of the allure.
How to make
Simply pour two shots of gin into a glass of tonic water and mix up. After this, add a garnish of lime or orange to top up the fruity flavour.
