Mix things up with cocktails minus the fuss

FANCY something a bit different this weekend? How about trying a cocktail or two to celebrate the summer evenings before the nights inevitably close in again? I’m not talking about anything too complicated, there are some great two- or three-ingredient drinks you can make without overly complicated prep or expensive necessaries you’ll never use again.

The classic dry martini, for starters, is easy to make and requires little skill. Ditto, the caffeinated version, the espresso martini, which gives you all sorts of bang for your buck.

If you fancy a longer drink,Tio Pepe and tonic is a hip choice – less alcohol than a G&T or vodka and tonic but equally refreshing served with ice and a slice. Finally, for something that wee bit wackier, try an Earl Grey French 75; great fun if you’re feeling that bit more adventurous.

Have fun and let me know how you get on...

ESRESSO MARTINI: USING GONZALEZ BYASS NECTAR PEDRO XIMENEZ (£18, 15%, from Ocado)

The Espresso Martini, sometimes known as a vodka espresso, is a great hot weather cocktail. Containing neither gin nor vermouth, it’s not a true martini, but don’t let that bother you. You’ll need 50ml Vodka; 35ml Nectar Pedro Ximenez, and 35ml espresso coffee. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice, add the alcohol and coffee then rattle for 30 seconds and pour into a martini glass. Garnish with a coffee bean or two. Delicious.

TIO PEPE AND TONIC: USING TIO PEPE FINO (£11.50, 15%, from all major supermarkets)

You’ll be on-trend drinking Tio Pepe and tonic, it’s the perfect way to enjoy this crisp Spanish dry sherry if you prefer it with a slightly sweeter edge in a long drink. Mix one third Tio Pepe to two-thirds tonic, (any will do but I like Fever Tree because it’s not too gassy), then add some ice cubes and garnish with a slice of lemon or lime. It’s dry, refreshing and contains lower alcohol than a classic G&T, if

you’re worried about getting sloshed.

EARL GREY FRENCH 75: USING LA GIOIOSA PROSECCO BRUT DOC NV (£10, 11.0%, from Tesco, Londis, Nisa, Co-op, Majestic, Morrisons and Booths)

Using a cocktail shaker, infuse two ordinary Earl Grey teabags in 125ml of dry gin for two hours. Then add 20ml of lemon juice and three tbsps of honey then shake together until well mixed. Pour into two or three glasses then top up with chilled La Gioiosa Prosecco (it’s a fabulously easy-to-drink Italian fizz that won’t break the bank). Don’t be put off by the thought of the bergamot from the Earl Grey teabags. Try it, you’ll be pleasantly surprised at how good it tastes.

DRY MARTINI: USING LONDON NO. 1 GIN (£34, 43%, from Ocado, Amazon, Booths and The Drink Shop)

For a classic Dry Martini, you’ll need 55ml of gin, London No.1, a triple-distilled small batch gin is perfect for cocktails like this, and

15ml of white Dry Vermouth. Stir seven or eight ice cubes in a glass to chill it, them remove excess water before adding the vermouth and gin. Mix well and pour into a cocktail glass, garnish with an olive. It’s lip-smackingly good.