Beat summer heat with cool cocktails
AN OLDY but a goody, Nigella Lawson’s watermelon daiquiri hits the right notes for a sizzling South African summer.
The trashy cook should not be stoveside too long without a drink in hand. And preferably this drink. You don’t have to go overboard with the postmodern, anxiously ironic bit: this is ambrosia for even the good-taste gods.
But if, on the other hand, you’re concerned that commendation might detract from its vulgar charm, just make it and drink it.
The watermelon doesn’t come frozen, by the way, engaging thought that is: just buy it, slice it, chunk it, stuff it into suitable bags and stash them vibrantly in the freezer. foamy puree. Pour into two waiting marguerita glasses – and tip back! — From ‘Nigella Bites’ by Nigella Lawson
Singapore Gin Sling
A refreshing drink especially for those really hot days, the Singapore sling was originally created for the Raffles Hotel in Singapore.
30ml gin 15 ml cherry brandy 120 ml pineapple juice 15 ml lime juice 7.5 ml Cointreau or other orangeliquor 7.5 ml Benedictine 10 ml grenadine A dash of Angostura Bitters Garnish – piece of pineapple
and 1 maraschino cherry
Shake the ingredients, except the fruit juices, together with ice, in a shaker and strain into a highball/Collins glass over ice. Top up with lime and pineapple juices. Spear the pineapple and cherry on a toothpick. Lay the garnish across the rim of the glass. — Source: The Bartender’s Guide
Homemade ice tea
Ice tea is very refreshing and a healthy alternative to fizzy, sugary cold drinks.
Place tea bags, spices and ginger in a large glass jug and pour boiling water over it all. Stir well and allow to cool for about 2 hours. Remove tea bags, ginger and spices.
Add juice to the tea and season with lemon juice to taste. Serve ice cold with ice and your choice of mint leaves, fruit and lemon. — Cooking from the Heart 2