3 Sizzling Summer Cocktails

Fun fact: The best-selling cocktails globally for the last several years have included the classic Old Fashioned, Negroni, Whiskey Sour, Daiquiri and Dry Martini. More recently, Aperol spritz and millennial pink rosé wine have also been elbowing in as contenders in the popularity polls.

Will any hold their top places for the summer of 2019? The jury’s still out. And while we’ll never say no to an Aperol spritz when the hot weather starts rolling in, it’s also fun to switch up favourite warm-weather cocktails with fresh takes. Here, we ask the talented bartenders at Le Garçon Saigon, Commissary and The Continental to share the summer drink orders they’re most excited to serve up during the city’s most humid months.

1. Floraison, Le Garçon Saigon

‘The Floraison combines the ideal mix of tropical and floral notes: calamansi, a Vietnamese citrus that brings thirst-quenching, zesty flavours; elderflower liqueur, which gives a subtle floral touch; and the mint and prosecco, which leave you feeling reinvigorated and ready to tackle the rest of summer.’ — Axel Gonzalez, Group Bartender at Black Sheep Restaurants

Recipe

In a glass, mix:

- 1 part calamansi juice

- 1 part elderflower liqueur

- 0.5 part gin

Top with prosecco

Garnish with calamansi and mint

2. Kombucha Mojito, Commissary

‘Mojitos are usually made with lime and brown sugar, but we’ve made our kombucha version with lemon juice and sugar syrup so it has a little bit of a sweeter twist. It’s also very zesty and minty — perfect in hot summer weather.’ – Nisham Rai, Bartender

Recipe

In a glass, muddle:

- 3 lemon wedges

- 6 mint leaves

Mix and add:

- 1.5 parts Nusa Cana rum

- 1.5 parts jasmine green tea kombucha

- Juice of half a lemon

- 2 teaspoons of sugar syrup

Top up with soda

Garnish with a lemon wheel, jasmine and a sprig of mint

3. Berry Cooler, The Continental

‘The Berry Cooler is a beautiful blend of raspberries, blueberries and blackberries mixed with Ketel One Citroen, homemade fresh raspberry syrup and lime. It’s very refreshing — the perfect way to battle the summer heat.’ – Bipin Rai, Bartender

Recipe

In a glass, muddle:

- 3 raspberries

- 3 blueberries

- 3 blackberries

Then add:

- 1 part Ketel One Citroen

- 1 part cranberry juice

- 0.5 part lime juice

Sweeten with raspberry syrup

Shake and double strain

Garnish with mint and berries