It’s that time of year (already!) that we start the pre-Christmas celebrations. It’s stinking hot, so these icy cold beverages are the perfect way to kick off the party. Both have the option to be non-alcoholic, so everyone can enjoy these cheeky summer tipples
Mango Rum Lassi
It’s mango season! Choosing ripe, juicy mangoes when they are at their sweetest will make these mango rum lassis sing!
Serves 2
Ingredients:
• 1 cup frozen mango
• 1 cup plain yogurt
• 1⁄2 cup ice
• 2 shots of simple syrup
• 2 shots of dark/spiced rum (optional)
• Lime juice, to taste
• Salt, to taste
• Mint, to garnish
• Cardamom powder, for dusting
Method:
Put the yogurt, mango and ice in a blender and blenduntil smooth.
Add the simple syrup, lime juice and salt. Blend until vcombined. Add the rum if making the alcoholic version, and blend until combined.
Taste and make adjustments according to your preference.
Pour into chilled glasses, dust with cardamom powder and add a sprig of mint as a garnish. Enjoy!
Raspberry Lemonade with Pink Gin
This refreshing drink will both quench your thirst and lift your spirits. The sugar content in this drink is reduced by the addition of soda water, which doesn’t go astray at this time of year when there are tempting treats everywhere we turn.
Serves 4
Ingredients:
• 2 cups lemonade
• 2 cups soda water
• 2 cups ice + 1 pitcher half filled with ice
• 1 lemon, thinly sliced
• 4 shots of pink gin (optional)
• Mint, to garnish
Method:
In your pitcher half filled with ice, pour in the lemonade, soda water and pink gin (leave gin out if making non- alcoholic) and stir to combine.
Half fill four chilled glasses with ice. Top each with a few raspberries, add a little more ice and finish off with some more raspberries. Slide a few slices of lemon down the sides of your glasses.
Pour your lemonade mixture into your glasses and add a sprig of mint to each as a garnish. Enjoy!
