La Petite Maison's Cocktail – How to Make It

We present a simplified take on a drink found on the seasonal cocktail list. This is a large-volume prepared mix which is loaded full of essence of the festive period, rendering it ideal for hosting a holiday party. Save the extra citrus syrup you can use for morning drinks, sweets, or to make another batch of this cocktail.

Bikini

Serves 10 servings

For the Citrus Syrup (yields 750ml)

300ml fresh clementine juice
200ml newly squeezed lemon juice
500g fine sugar

For the Drink (makes 850ml, enough for 10)

400ml decent vodka
100ml London dry gin
150ml peach-flavored liqueur
200ml clementine cordial (from the recipe above)
Fresh cranberries, to garnish
Mandarin essential oil, for finishing

Directions

To prepare the Cordial: Place the listed items into a saucepan, heat until it reaches a simmer, mixing to dissolve. Then, take off the burner and leave to reach room temperature fully. Pour into a sealable bottle, cap it keeping it chilled, it will last for around a month.

For the Cocktail Base: Pour all the liquid ingredients in a big jug, let it rest for 60 minutes, then strain best through cheesecloth, so it's perfectly clear.

To serve: Measure 85ml from the premix into a mixing glass packed with ice, gently stirring carefully for about 60 seconds to cool it down. Pour into an chilled martini glass or a similar vessel, decorate with some cranberries and complete it with a brief mist with the mandarin essence over the top.