If you’re hosting a summer get-together in the garden, it’s a real advantage to have most of the food and drink prepared before your guests arrive so you can concentrate on hosting and having fun.
Here are a few suggestions for drinks you can pre-mix. All these options can be served in a large jug, so have some tumblers and nibbles ready on a tray for serving straight from the fridge.
Pimm’s and lemonade
Simple, quintessentially English and always a winner, Pimm’s epitomises summer. Pour a generous amount of Pimm’s over ice, top up with lemonade and add slices of strawberry and lemon, along with some mint leaves, for a refreshing drink served in tall highball glasses. Cucumber sticks make great garnishes too.
Sangria
Mix equal parts of red wine and lemonade in a jug with ice, add a couple of measures of brandy for a bit of a kick and pop in a cinnamon stick. Squeeze in some fresh orange juice for sweetness and add slices of lemon and orange to serve.
Mojito
Quarter four or five large limes and put them in your jug with plenty of ice. Use a wooden spoon to bruise the limes to release their juice, then add a handful of mint leaves, three tablespoons of sugar and mix robustly to release the flavour. Add white rum to taste, top up to the brim with sparkling water and serve in tall glasses with more ice. For a sweeter version, substitute the limes with strawberries.
With your drinks already prepared, you’ll have more time for lounging in your Outback reclining chairs with your guests.
