We grilled a panel of our favourite mixologists for the lowdown on what cocktails to craft for a thirsty alfresco crowd
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What batch cocktails are best for summer parties?
Ella, by email
First things first: stand down that cocktail shaker. When you have more than a handful of people over, you need drinks that scale up easily. And a paloma never fails to hit the hot weather happy-hour spot, says Max Venning, director of Three Sheets bars in London and co-author of Batched and Bottled Cocktails. “It’s great for a garden party, because you just whack it all in a jug and into the fridge in the morning, then all you need are iced glasses and soda water.” Combine 350ml good-quality blanco tequila (“Ocho or Volcan are my go-tos”), 250ml fresh pink grapefruit juice, 10ml tomato vinegar (“or white balsamic”) and two tablespoons of caster sugar, stir until the latter dissolves, then chill. “While you’re waiting for your guests, coat half the rim of your glasses with a mix of salt, a touch of ground black pepper and a sprinkle of ground cumin: wipe half the outside rim with grapefruit, put the salt mix on a small plate and gently press the wet part of the glass into the salt, so it sticks.” When you’re good to go, fill each glass with ice, fill halfway with the paloma mix, top with soda and stir gently: “Garnish with edible flowers or a grapefruit slice.”
