Combinations - Cocktails for the Spring

[FuBai]

As Spring is booming in all its fresh green finery and shall rapidly be progressing to Summer, what sort of Cocktails does SWIY recommend for the longer days and warm, sunny evenings? SWIM finds his palate changes, with the switch from hard spirits and hot rum toddies in the late autumn and winter to long, cool drinks that are light on the tongue.

Recently SWIM purchased some Sweet Lime Cordial from Sainsbury's at a rather expensive price, but it has proved the perfect cocktail mixer. He is currently favouring 1 part Sweet Lime, 5 parts Carbonated water, 2-3 parts Gin (depending on taste), dash Aromatic Bitters, on the rocks with a slice of lime. Sweet Lime can be switched for Elderflower cordial if desired.

Another suggestion is the standard fruit juice and rum combination, although SWIM prefers to use pre-made smoothies instead of fruit juice, and tends to add a dash of Galiano or Grenadine depending on the choosen smoothie.

Other favourites include the standard Gin and Tonic, the Screwdriver, the Harvey Wallbanger, the Freddy Fudputter and the excellent Singapore Sling.

So, does SWIY have any personal favourites for drinking in the sun? Perhaps any interesting recipes that have been found especially enjoyable?

[Mint boi]

My ferret is quite partial to a well made mojito on a long hot day!

[Jatelka]

Caipirinha's are always good on long, hot sunny days:

2 tsp granulated sugar
8 lime wedges
2 1/2 oz cachaca
Muddle the sugar into the lime wedges in an old-fashioned glass. Fill the glass with ice cubes. Pour the cachaca into the glass. Stir well.

[abraham]

I wouldnt recomend it for a ferrit but I would love one. My fav for summer is the hurricane. 1 part light rum, dark rum, coccunut rum, gin, vodka, triple sec, chambored, orange juice. I like to add some grenadine and a lemon wedge or two.

[notts.pirate]

my fav summer cocktails are a simple

double goldschlager, lime and lemonade
double brandy and coke
pint of stella