Cocktail of the Week: La Petite Maison’s Bikini – A Festive Recipe to Try at Home
When it comes to holiday celebrations, nothing captures the spirit quite like a well-crafted cocktail. This week, we're featuring a delightful drink from La Petite Maison's latest cocktail menu—the Bikini. This version is designed for home enjoyment and is perfect for your festive gatherings. Packed with the quintessential flavors of Christmas, this batch premix not only serves as a fantastic party beverage but also offers versatility; any leftover cordial can be used in breakfast drinks or desserts, making it a practical choice for the season.
Bikini Cocktail
Yields: 10 servings
Clementine Cordial (makes 750ml)
- 300ml fresh clementine juice
- 200ml fresh lemon juice
- 500g caster sugar
To Prepare the Drink (makes 850ml, serves 10)
- 400ml high-quality vodka (we recommend Ketel One)
- 100ml London dry gin (Tanqueray is our go-to)
- 150ml peach liqueur (RinQuinQuin works beautifully)
- 200ml prepared clementine cordial (see above)
- Fresh cranberries for garnish (we prefer cranberry caviar pearls)
- A dash of mandarin essential oil for finishing touches
Instructions for Making the Cordial:
1. Combine the clementine juice, lemon juice, and caster sugar in a saucepan.
2. Gently bring the mixture to a boil, stirring continuously until the sugar is completely dissolved.
3. Remove from heat and allow the mixture to cool entirely.
4. Once cooled, carefully pour the cordial into a clean bottle, seal it, and store in the refrigerator where it will remain fresh for up to a month.
Preparing the Batch Cocktail:
1. In a large bottle, mix together all the liquid ingredients: vodka, gin, peach liqueur, and the clementine cordial.
2. Let the mixture sit for about an hour, then strain it through muslin or a fine sieve to achieve a clear, refined drink.
Serving Instructions:
1. To serve, measure out 85ml of the cocktail premix into a mixing glass filled with ice.
2. Stir gently for about a minute to chill the drink.
3. Strain the mixture into a chilled martini glass or another elegant glass of your choice.
4. Garnish with a few fresh cranberries and finish off with a light spritz of mandarin essential oil to enhance the aromatic experience.
This delightful recipe comes from Tibor Krascsenics, the group beverage director at La Petite Maison in London. For more information, visit their website: La Petite Maison.
So, will you give this festive cocktail a try? Or do you have your own favorite holiday drink? We're curious to hear your thoughts—share them in the comments!
