Summer garden cup cocktail
A sweet, punch-like drink that is perfect for a weekend garden party
A refreshing drink with mouth-watering swishes of sweet lime (from the riesling) and pops of nectarine, this is adapted from a recipe in The Savoy Cocktail Book. I sometimes add a teaspoon or two of sugar to enhance the gentle sherbettyness of the drink but it depends on your taste and on what wine you use. Finest* Mosel Steep Slopes Riesling 2023 Germany (11%, Tesco, £7.25) is a good option. You could serve this in a jug but a punch bowl makes it easier to distribute the fruit.
Timings
5 minutes, plus 1-2 hours macerating time
Serves
8
Ingredients
- 2 ripe nectarines, stoned and sliced
- 8 strawberries, washed, hulled and quartered
- 1 bottle off-dry German riesling
- 160ml Grand Marnier
- 300ml sparkling water (make sure it’s one with vigorous bubbles or use a proper soda mixer)
Method
- An hour or two before serving, put the fruit in a bowl, cover with some of the riesling and keep in the fridge until you’re ready to go.
- Just before the party, transfer the fruit mixture to a punch bowl with the rest of the wine and the Grand Marnier.
- Stir in the sparkling water just before serving.
- Check for sweetness and ladle into wine glasses with a cube or two of ice as required.