Gary
So the days are getting longer, the sun is making a more regular appearance and we’re probably all looking forward to warm summer days and balmy evenings, barbecues and al fresco dining.
And what about drinks? It’s the time of year when Prosecco sales tend to 
rocket and jugs are dusted off to make pitchers of Pimm’s and Sangria – there is just something very summery about sipping a perfectly chilled drink mixed with juice and accompanied by pieces of fruit. Cocktails are great fun – with or without the umbrellas and sparklers! – and again, make a light and refreshing change to beer and wine. But summer drinks can be so much more exciting than a Mojito, Bloody Mary or Tequila Sunrise – and if you’re planning a special event over the next few months it’s well worth thinking carefully about the selection of drinks you’ll serve your guests.
As expert mixologists, Ace Bar Events , takes inspiration from traditional cocktail recipes – some of which date back over 100 years – and skilfully creates new drinks using more unusual ingredients. Currently putting the finishing touches to their summer range, MD Andy Collinson shared his thoughts about what flavours are likely to be popular this summer.
Andy says: “We’re using gin as the alcoholic base for many of our cocktails. During Prohibition in America, gin was easier to produce than whisky and all kinds of gin-based cocktails were invented in the illegal speakeasies. Back then, in the 1920s and ‘30s, sweet flavours were used to disguise the inferior taste of the liquor – today, it’s a somewhat more sophisticated process!
“We like nothing better than finding exciting ways of using seasonal ingredients in our cocktails, and this summer we’re working with ingredients such as cucumber and basil, elderflower, vanilla bean, hibiscus, rhubarb syrup and pistachio. We even have some recipes that – bizarre as it may sound – use the most fantastic Sicilian oils.”
Andy also described a few cocktails that Ace Bar Events will be serving 
at future events, including English Country Garden, which is a mix of gin, freshly pressed cloudy apply juice, cucumber, mint and elderflower – it sounds like a perfect thirst quencher on a hot summer’s afternoon. Then there’s the Strawberry and Cream Martini, vodka and strawberry purée topped with a layer of single cream – very Wimbledon!
Quite apart from tasting delicious, cocktails look stunning and can easily
tie in with any colour theme you may have for your event. They also create a talking point and will add to the overall wow factor. And because they’re easy to adapt to be non-alcoholic, guests who are driving or just don’t want to drink alcohol can also enjoy a delicious drink and feel that they’ve been considered – far nicer than serving a sugary fizzy drink!
Feeling thirsty now? Why not treat yourself to a homemade Moscow Mule:
- 50ml vodka
- ½ can of ginger beer
- 2 squeezes of lime
- Dash of Angostura bitters
- Add ice cubes, stir and enjoy!
Serving cocktails at a a marquee party?
If you’re planning a marquee event then why not give our experience, friendly and helpful team a call? We can offer ideas and advice as well as free no obligation estimates over the telephone. Call 01483 322070, email enquiries@lifestylemarquees.co.uk or click the button below:
