Beat the heat: Summer cocktail recipes using simple ingredients at home

The country's dry season (or summer as informally called) has already started, and it signals warmth, then sweat, even funk.

What better way to beat the heat by not only turning on the air conditioner or wearing light and loose clothing, but also by having ice-cold beer or, better yet, a refreshing cocktail. Besides, March is the month of the National Cocktail Day (24th), so all the more that one ought to prepare a glass or two.

Mixologists of leading liquor brands shared with PhilSTAR L!fe cocktail recipes that are doable at home—and don't require being a bartender, moreso having expensive, obscure ingredients and equipment.

Kate Osmillo, brand ambassador of Rémy Martin, curated recipes that mainly utilize fruits. For her, the perfect summer cocktail should be tropical, refreshing, light, and bubbly.

In terms of measurement, Osmillo said a medicine cup, rice cup, or even measuring cup or spoon are good alternatives to a jigger. A jar with a lid or a typical tumbler also does the trick alright if one doesn't have a bar shaker.

For Lawrence Gabriel of Bacardi-Martini Philippines, the perfect summer cocktail is all about simplicity yet packs a punch, i.e., margarita hailing from Mexico. He said that the classic margarita is best paired with fried goods like crispy pata or fish, as well as Mexican food known for its earthy flavors and kick.

No need to be fancy here as you can use calamansi instead of lime. It makes the cocktail not only more zesty but also more uniquely Filipino in taste.

Diageo's Brand Ambassador Rian Asiddao said light- and dark-shade spirits are wonderful to have in one's cupboard. In particular, gin like Tanqueray and whisky are relatively accessible in the market. As for mixers, one's best bet are convenience and sari-sari store staples lime soda and apple juice, as well as tonic water. What matters, Asiddao said, is that there's balance and that there's no overpowering ingredient.

Asiddao also told aspiring bartenders that the internet is their bestfriend when it comes to learning about cocktail recipes, whether through text or video.

Norway's Adrian Michalick, who won the Diego World Class Global Bartender in 2022 and is Singleton Whiskey's ambassador, meanwhile said the key to an effective cocktail is having high-quality ice, as it's always best served cold.

Michalick told L!fe that one must try to use big blocks of ice as much as possible because the smaller ones melt faster and, in turn, bring a lot of water into the drink.

"We don't want to dilute it so much," he said.

At the end of the day, Michalick said what matters is that cocktails are served with a smile and enjoyed with a good company.

"Drinking is about socializing and bringing people together," he said.