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If you’re craving a delightful summer drink that quenches your thirst and adds a touch of tropical flair, look no further than a sangria. A vibrant cocktail that blends wine, fruits, and spirits. In this guide on how to make sangria, I will explore the origins of this beloved concoction while adding an island twist to the classic recipe.

Sangria, which translates to “blood” in Spanish, pays homage to the rich red hues of the wine and has become a favourite among tourists in Spain.

Historically, sangria traces its roots back to the Middle Ages, where spiced wines known as “hippocras” were served as digestives after meals. Hippocras is likely the ancestor of sangria and mulled wine and was drunk everywhere. Water was bacteria-filled and unsafe to drink, and mixing it with alcohol killed the bacteria.

The Romans conquered Spain in 200 BCE, and the region started growing grapes to make wine. Clean water was again a problem, so the wine was added. They mixed various things with the wine and water to make it taste better, including fruit, herbs, and spices.

Fast forward to the 18th and 19th centuries, and sangria found its way to England and France. The drink gained popularity across the globe after making a splash at the 1964 World’s Fair in New York.

Also Read: Cuba Libre Cocktail

Ingredients for a Perfect Sangria

Let’s delve into the core components of sangria that make it a versatile and crowd-pleasing drink.

Red Wine: Traditionally, a Spanish Rioja was the go-to choice, but any fruity red wine works wonders. Don’t feel pressured to splurge; a decent, young, smooth Merlot or Shiraz will do the trick.

Fruits: While traditional sangria incorporates local fruits like oranges, peaches, and berries, feel free to get creative with seasonal offerings. Here on the island, pineapples, lychees, and other local fruits add a unique twist to the sangria.

Spices: The classic touch involves a cinnamon stick. However, you can experiment with star anise or other aromatic spices to enhance flavour.

Liquor: Brandy is the traditional choice for that extra kick, but an island-inspired sangria works well with a local spiced rum. The sweet and spicy notes complement the fruity medley, creating a symphony of flavours.

How to make Sangria

Ingredients:

• 1 bottle of red wine (750-ml)
• 100 ml spiced rum
• 1 apple, diced
• 1 pear, cored and diced
• 1 lime, sliced
• 1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced
• 1 cup fresh lychees, sliced
• 1 cinnamon stick

Directions:

1. Stir in the diced fruits and add the cinnamon stick.
2. Refrigerate for at least 3-4 hours before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Pair your Island Sangria with classic red wine accompaniments like cheese and grilled meats. This versatile cocktail is a perfect addition to your summer BBQ gatherings.

You can prepare it beforehand and leave it to chill until your guests arrive. So, kick back, relax, and savour the taste of summer with a refreshing glass of homemade sangria.

Other summer perfect cocktails include the mojito with its burst of mint leaves and a pina colada with its tropical flavours.

Also Read: Cosmopolitan Cocktail

The Cosmopolitan cocktail, affectionately known as the “Cosmo,” is a timeless and iconic drink that has captivated the taste buds of cocktail enthusiasts worldwide. Perfect for the festive season. So lets investigate how to make a cosmopolitan cocktail at home.

This delightful concoction has a fascinating history, a diverse fan base, and a unique ingredient blend that makes it an enduring classic.

The cosmopolitan’s origins are shrouded in mystery and multiple claims. While its modern form emerged in the 1970s and 1980s, there are earlier recipes reminiscent of the cosmopolitan, like the Cosmopolitan Daisy from the 1930s.

One theory attributes its creation to Cheryl Cook, who aimed to craft a visually stunning drink that would appeal to a broader female audience. Others credit bartenders like Toby Cecchini, Melissa Huffsmith-Roth, and Neal Murray with shaping the cocktail we know today.

The event that solidified the cosmopolitan cocktail to its iconic status was its frequent appearance on the hit TV show Sex and the City. It was the signature drink of Carrie Bradshaw and her friends.

Also Read: How to make Sangria

The Perfect Ingredients

Creating an exceptional cosmopolitan relies on the quality of its ingredients. Here are the key components that make a truly outstanding cosmopolitan cocktail:

1. Vodka: Opt for a high-quality, unflavoured vodka like Belvedere, Kettle One, or Grey Goose. These top-shelf vodkas offer a clean, crisp flavour that complements the cocktail perfectly. Avoid lemon-flavoured vodka because the fresh lime juice provides the desired citrus kick.
2. Orange Liqueur: Cointreau, with its clear, orange-flavoured profile and smooth finish, is the preferred choice. It elevates the cocktail with a sweet, citrusy touch.
3. Cranberry Juice: Sweetened cranberry juice infuses the drink with a festive pink-red hue and a hint of sweetness. Unsweetened cranberry juice may make the cocktail too tart for most palates.
4. Lime: Fresh lime juice is an absolute necessity for a cosmopolitan. Its citrusy freshness enhances the cocktail’s vibrancy. Don’t forget to save some lime wedges for garnishing the drinks.

How to make a Cosmopolitan Cocktail

Now that we’ve unveiled the Cosmopolitan’s history and ingredients, let’s look at the perfect recipe for Cosmopolitan cocktail:

Ingredients

• 1 ½ ounces vodka
• ¼ ounce lime juice
• ¼ ounce orange liqueur
• ¼ ounce sweetened cranberry juice
• 1 cup ice
• 1 lime wedge for garnish

Instructions

1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add vodka, lime juice, triple sec, and cranberry juice to the shaker.
3. Shake vigorously until well-chilled.
4. Strain the mixture into a chilled martini glass.
5. Garnish with a lime wedge.

The cosmopolitan cocktail has a rich history, a diverse following, and a unique blend of high-quality ingredients. All this contributes to its enduring popularity. Whether you enjoy it for its classic elegance or because you are a Sex in the City fan, the Cosmopolitan cocktail has stood the test of time.

Also Read: Moscow Mule Cocktail

The Cuba Libre cocktail, a simple mix of rum, cola, and lime, is a drink that not only tantalises the taste buds but also carries a rich history, making it stand out from your ordinary rum and Coke. Let’s delve into the fascinating story behind this classic highball, its unique ingredients, and see how to make the perfect Cuba Libre cocktail.

The Origins of Cuba Libre

The Cuba Libre cocktail’s history is shrouded in mystery. Still, one thing is clear: It emerged in the early 20th century in Cuba, right after the country gained independence from Spanish rule. This newfound freedom led to a celebratory atmosphere, and inventing the drink might be credited to a U.S. Army captain stationed in Havana.

Legend has it that he mixed Bacardí rum with Coca-Cola and a squeeze of lime while toasting, “Por Cuba Libre!”—a phrase that embodied the spirit of Cuban independence. The name stuck, and the cocktail quickly gained popularity.

Also Read:Firewater Cinnamon Affogato

However, some dispute the exact origins, and there are competing stories. Fausto Rodriguez, a Bacardi advertising executive, claimed to have been present when the drink was first poured in 1900, further adding to the intrigue.

Regardless of its precise inception, the Cuba Libre became a staple in Cuba, symbolising the nation’s quest for freedom.

Ingredients that Make a Difference

What distinguishes a Cuba Libre from a Rum and Coke is the addition of fresh lime juice. While both cocktails share rum and cola as core ingredients, the Cuba Libre’s zesty twist comes from adding lime.

Half a lime is juiced when preparing a traditional Cuba Libre, and the spent lime skin is muddled at the bottom of the glass to release more lime oils. This extra step results in a unique flavour profile and texture that sets it apart.

Furthermore, use your favourite cola. Be it Coca-Cola, Pepsi or a craft cola. As the cola is the main ingredient, using your favourite cola is essential.

Best rum to use for a Cuba Libre

Bacardi rum is the obvious choice if it is available where you live. They claim the Cuba Libre is the world’s second-most-popular alcoholic drink, emphasising its widespread appeal. While the classic recipe calls for light rum and Coca-Cola, variations abound.

Some use dark rum, while others experiment with different cola brands. There are also flavoured rums, which can add innovative flavour elements such as vanilla, coffee or tropical-flavoured rums.

However, here on the island of Mauritius, there are many delicious rums to choose from. Some of my favourites include:

• St Aubin Silver rum
• New Grove Silver rum
• Chamarel Exotic Spices rum
• Lazy Dodo rum

How to make a Cuba Libre Cocktail

Ingredients

• Juice from 1/2 a lime
• 50 ml rum
• cola
• Ice

Method

• Muddle the lime skin lightly with ice in a glass.
• Add the rum and the lime juice.
• Pour in the cola. Stir gently and garnish with a lime wedge—a perfect way to experience the Cuba Libre’s unique flavour.

The Cuba Libre cocktail is not merely a Rum and Coke with lime; it symbolises Cuba’s quest for freedom and a delightful blend of flavours that sets it apart. Its history, unique ingredients, and worldwide popularity make it a cocktail worth savouring and celebrating.

Also Read: My Favourite Margarita Recipe

I have some vermouth left from my Negroni cocktail experiments and looked for other cocktail recipes to use it in. I found the best recipe for a Manhattan cocktail, and I have all the ingredients on hand. The Manhattan cocktail is a mix of rye whiskey and sweet vermouth looked perfect. So let’s explore.

As with so many cocktails, the origin of the Manhattan recipe is a bit murky. One claim was that Iain Marshal created the drink at the Manhattan Club in New York City in the mid-1870s. It was supposedly for a dinner party hosted by Lady Randolph Churchill.

Also Read: Cosmopolitan Cocktail

According to claims, the party and the drinks were so fashionable that people started to request the cocktail by referring to the name of the club where it originated. However, Lady Randolph was not in the USA then, so probably not true.

A recipe with a similar combination of ingredients was included in the 1884 book The Modern Bartender’s Guide by O.H. Byron. There are also other references to comparable recipes in cocktail books from this time.

These cocktail recipes had the basic whiskey and vermouth ingredients but added other elements such as absinth. As taste changed and evolved, the formula became standardised to the version we see today.

Manhattan ingredients

Rye whiskey: Rye whiskey is traditionally used to make a Manhattan cocktail. Rye whiskey has a spicier flavour than bourbon. My favourite rye releases for a Manhattan cocktail include the Pikesville and Michters Rye whiskey. You want to use a rye whiskey that is a bit more spice-forward to ensure you get a good balance between the spices and the sweet vermouth. But whichever rye you have available will work.

Sweet vermouth: Vermouth is a fortified wine infused with botanicals. There are two main types of vermouth: sweet (usually red) and dry (typically white). Sweet vermouth has sweetness and herbal notes with a hint of bitterness in the finish.

Angostura bitters: The most versatile item in my cocktail cupboard. Angostura bitters are used in cocktails to add a complex and bitter undertone.

Cocktail cherry: The traditional garnish for a Manhattan cocktail is a Luxardo cherry. Luxardo cherries are a dark red, nearly black cocktail cherry. If you can’t find any, a Maraschino cherry would also work.

Manhattan Variations

There are many popular variations on the Manhattan theme.

• Bourbon Manhattan: Use bourbon for a sweeter version of the Manhattan with notes of oak and vanilla.
• Brandy Manhattan: A stylish spin on the classic cocktail recipe using brandy or Cognac.
• Rob Roy: Using Scottish whisky instead of rye whiskey. I have also used Islay whisky for a smokier version.
• Perfect Manhattan: This twist on the classic Manhattan recipe involves using a 50/50 blend of sweet vermouth and dry vermouth instead of the sweet vermouth only.
• Dry Manhattan: In this variant, dry vermouth completely replaces the traditional sweet vermouth.

But regardless of all the options, there is only one classic Manhattan cocktail recipe: two parts whiskey, one part sweet vermouth and bitters.

Recipe for a Manhattan Cocktail

Ingredients

• 2 ounces rye whiskey
• 1 ounce sweet vermouth
• 2 dashes Angostura bitters
• Ice
• Cocktail cherry as garnish

Method

Add the rye whiskey, sweet vermouth, and bitters into a mixing glass.
Add ice and stir with a bar spoon until cold.
Strain into a chilled coupe glass.
Garnish with a cocktail cherry.

Also Read: Suncamino Rum Cocktails

A few nights ago, we visited friends for a BBQ, and when we arrived, she had tequila shooters standing ready. I am not the biggest fan of tequila. But this was some decent tequila añejo.

I realised I had done very little exploring around tequila and tequila-based cocktails. The most famous tequila cocktail is the Margarita, and what better place to learn more about tequila when making cocktails at home?

The Margarita recipe comprises tequila, triple sec, and lime juice shaken and strained into a stepped-diameter martini-shaped glass rimmed with salt. The name conjures up images of tacos, guacamole, and enchiladas, as the Margarita is associated with Mexican cuisine.

Exactly where the margarita cocktail is from and who invented it is unknown. A cocktail recipe with similar ingredients was included in the Cafe Royal cocktail book published in 1937. This cocktail was called Picador.

Other sources claim that it was invented by a bartender for a dancer who was allergic to other alcohols but not tequila.

I have seen recipes with different ingredient ratios. From 2:1:1 (tequila, triple sec, lime juice) to 10:4:3. Personally, the best margarita recipe is the sweeter version where the triple sec is slightly more than the lime juice.

Also Read: Cosmopolitan Cocktail

However, looking around, you will find good Margarita recipes in various flavours and variations beyond the classic lime version. I have seen different fruit flavours, like strawberry, mango, and watermelon. Today, I am staying with the classic Margarita recipe and investigate how to make a good margarita at home.

Like all alcohol-forward cocktails, using only the best ingredients is essential. But let’s start at the most important ingredient; the tequila.

What is Tequila?

Tequila is a Mexican distilled spirit distilled from the blue agave plant (agave tequiliana). Tequila is a type of Mezcal, a spirits category made from various agave plants.

Different types of tequila 

1. Tequila blanco (silver tequila): Tequila that is not aged. This typically has notes of pepper and citrus with a spicy finish. This is the perfect tequila to use for Margaritas.
2. Tequila reposado: Tequila aged between 2 to 12 months in oak barrels. It has a smooth flavour and typical oak, vanilla, and caramel notes.
3. Tequila añejo: aged between 1 to 4 years in oak barrels. It is richer, with typical notes of vanilla and cinnamon. A good sipping tequila.
4. Tequila joven  is a blend of unaged and aged tequila.
5. Tequila cristalino is a clear spirit as the tequila añejo is filtered to remove tannins.

Other variations on the theme

Frozen Margarita: When the ingredients are slushed together with ice to create the perfect summer drink.

Paloma Margarita: When you replace the lime juice with grapefruit juice. A soft pink version of the classic.

Tequila Sours: When the whiskey in a sour is replaced by tequila.

Mexican Mule: Where the tequila replaces the vodka in the classic Moscow Mule. The spicy ginger beer and lime juice are the perfect pairing for tequila.

Why do you rim a Margarita cocktail with salt?

According to some research, salt changes the way our taste buds process the bitterness of the tequila and the lime. By adding a few grains to each sip, the alcohol and bitterness are balanced and additional flavours can come through.

How to make a good Margarita at home

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 oz blanco tequila
• 1 oz triple sec (Cointreau)
• 3/4 oz lime juice
• lime wedge and wheel
• salt
• ice

Instructions

• Sprinkle some salt on a small plate. Rub the wedge of lime along the rim of a glass and then dip it into the salt.
• Add tequila, triple sec and lime juice to a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake until well-chilled.
• Carefully strain into the cocktail glass with a few blocks of ice.
• Decorate the Margarita with a lime wheel and enjoy.

Also Read: Johnnie Walker Blue vs Black Label Whisky