Summer is here: Stay in and whip up these refreshing cocktails in no time

The great Mumbai summer - hot and humid - is here. Many turn to guzzling down litres of lemon soda, or coconut water, or feast on ice cream to keep themselves refreshed. If you find yourself craving something stronger, Mid-day Online asked mixologists to part with their favourite cocktails that are easy to make at home and use seasonal ingredients. Channel your inner bartender and serve these beauties on days when it's too hot to step out.

Yazu Special Margarita

The Margarita served at Yazu uses Yuzu puree lending it a balanced sweet and sour flavour. Pic/Yazu Goa

"Our special margarita is a flavourful citrusy cocktail inspired by the Japanese plant Yuzu. It's a lovely mix of sweet and sour with Yuzu puree that enhances the flavour of blue agave tequila in Asian aspects and revitalises both your mind and body," shares Ritesh Kumar, mixologist at Yazu Goa.

Ingredients

Tequila- 60 ml, Triple sec- 15 ml, lime juice- 15 ml, Yuzu puree- 30 ml, Egg white- 30 ml

Method

1. Shake all ingredients together over ice.
2. Garnish with burnt rosemary, and Thai chilli.

Tropical Bourbon

If you thought bourbon was a winter fix, you must try this fruity variation. Pic/Sassy Spoon and House of Mandarin

"When it's summer, there's nothing better than a fruity, herby refreshing drink in hand. There's a great variety of summer cocktails that play on the flavours of the season, our Tropical Bourbon is the perfect mixture of sweet pineapple and herbaceous basil to cool you off," shares Gautam Rathod, head of operations, The Sassy Spoon, and House of Mandarin.

Ingredients

Basil leaves- 2 to 3, Bourbon whiskey- 60 ml, pineapple juice- 60 ml, grenadine syrup- 10 ml, sour mix-30 ml

Method

1. In a cocktail mixer, take two to three basil leaves and muddle them.
2. Add the bourbon whiskey, pineapple juice, grenadine syrup, sour mix and ice cubes and shake well.
3. Double strain the mixture into a short glass filled with ice and garnish with basil leaves.

Watermelon Thirst

If you prefer sweet cocktails, the watermelon thirst will quickly become your go-to. Pic/145 Cafe and Bar

"This cocktail is a delicious combination of watermelon, ginger juice, and syrup. This cocktail has a distinct refreshing taste, the natural sweetness of watermelon, and an elegant aroma of basil leaf. The presentation of this cocktail is also distinctive because, as you can see, the rim of this cocktail is a distinctive blend of Indian spices. Watermelon thirst is a summer cocktail that helps you stay hydrated, as watermelon is scientifically proven to aid in rapid rehydration, and it contains vitamins A, B, and C. These vitamins are necessary for a variety of functions, including immune system function, skin health, and increased metabolism," explains Ishaan Bahl, founder of 145 Café and Bar.

Ingredients

Belenkaya vodka- 60 ml, Monin watermelon syrup- 10 ml, lime juice- 10 ml, fresh watermelon juice- 60 ml, basil leaves- 3-4, fresh ginger juice- 5ml

Method

1. Muddle all ingredients together.
2. Shake all ingredients over ice.
3. Garnish with basil leaves and serve in a Martini glass.

Gin Basil Sour

The ideal summer drink for gin lovers, the Gin Basil Sour is tangy and refreshing. Pic/Elephant & Co.

"The Gin basil sour is the perfect low-sugar summer cocktail with flavours of refreshing pineapple juice and fresh basil. Both the ingredients compliment a good London Dry Gin and elevate you with every sip," shares Sasmit Manjrekar, mixologist at Elephant & Co.

Ingredients

Gordon's London Dry Gin- 60 ml, pineapple juice- 90 ml, lime juice- 30ml, fresh basil leaves- 3

Method

1. Shake all ingredients over ice in a shaker.
2 Garnish with fresh basil leaves.

A Berry Choice

This classic strawberry daiquiri is as easy to make, as it is flavourful and boozy. Pic/Bar Bank

"The citrus from the lime along with the sweetness of the strawberry with a shot of the popular white rum, makes this an ideal summer and sun-downer cocktail that can make you feel hydrated and mildly tipsy," shares Mihir Desai, founder of Bar Bank Juhu. Ingredients

White rum- 60 ml, lime wedge-1, lime juice-30 ml, fresh strawberries- 6

Method

1. Muddle all ingredients together.
2. Shake all ingredients over ice.
3. Garnish with lime wedge.

Also Read: Why drink a glass of wine plain when you can muddle it into fresh cocktails?