RAISE A GLASS
the starting point. The Cazcabel tequila brand has added a coconut expression to its range, Cazcabel Coconut (RRP £24.99, 70cl, online at Amazon, Master of Malt, Proof Drinks), right.
Cazcabel coconut tequila has bianco as its base. The addition of the coconut takes the edge off that classic tequila earthiness. I added 20ml fresh lime juice to 50ml of the spirit and topped up with the tonic. It was a simple, enjoyable cocktail.
PINA COLADA (THE ALUNA WAY)
I read some early-days lockdown market research into which cocktail recipes we most searched for. According to data from Inn Supplies, pina colada had 15,000 more searches than any other recipe.
Here’s a version using Aluna Coconut (RRP £24.95, 70cl, Waitrose, Ocado, Amazon). Add these ingredients to a cocktail shaker (or jam jar, or water bottle). You need 50ml of Aluna, 50ml of coconut water, 150ml of pineapple juice. Shake together, then pour into a glass with ice cubes. Decorate with a slice of lime.
MIDSUMMER DAYDREAM (A COGNAC DELIGHT)
Cognac
Frapin 1270 (RRP £39.95, 70cl, online The Whisky Exchange, Master of Malt) is a treat.
Cognac is a spirit distilled from wine and within its complexity it retains fruity notes as well as vanilla from aging. Cognac Frapin 1270 is from the premium cognac region, Grande Champagne.
Cocktails have hugely contributed to my growing fondness for cognac and this sip totally continues my love affair.
Add 60ml of Cognac Frapin 1270 to a glass, add 30ml coconut water, 60ml of tonic water and 25ml of lime juice. Top with ice, decorate with a slice of lime and enjoy daydreaming.
■ Also in my glass …
I sipped a couple of Tesco
white wines. The first was passerina, a grape I discovered when I visited the Abruzzo region of Italy. Tesco Finest Passerina (£7), below, is an easy-sipping white with flavours of peach and citrus. Passerina is named after the sparrows which like to eat the grapes on the vine; and the wine’s label gives a nod to that.
My second white was Tesco’s Sauvignon Blanc Bordeaux (£6.75). I love Bordeaux white wine. You don’t need to concentrate too hard to enjoy a glass of this one. It is zippy with lemon and lime and a refreshing acidity.
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