Drink,Food & Drink

Swig the vote with our election cocktails

A Labour defeat more bitter than Angostura; a Conservative victory sweeter than Bailey’s; a Lib Dem win more surprising than finding yourself drinking Bols Blue curaçao — whatever the election outcome, demonstrate your political leanings with these perfectly balanced (not to mention colour coordinated) cocktails from Simon Difford.

RED OR DEAD

Glass: Collins
Garnish: Lime wedge
Method: Shake all ingredients with ice and strain into an ice-filled glass

1½ shots Southern Comfort liqueur
¾ shot Campari
¾ shot freshly squeezed lime juice
3 shots Ocean Spray cranberry juice

Simon says: “This long ruby drink balances sweetness, sourness and bitterness”

BABY BLUE MARTINI

Glass: Martini
Garnish: Orange zest twist
Method: Shake all ingredients with ice and fine strain into a chilled glass

2 shots Plymouth gin
¾ shot Bols Blue curaçao liqueur
¾ shot squeezed pink grapefruit juice
¾ shot pressed pineapple juice

Simon says: “Turquoise blue, easy drinking, fruity gin”

YELLOW FEVER MARTINI

Glass: Martini
Garnish: Pineapple wedge
Method: Shake all ingredients with ice and fine strain into a chilled glass

2½ shots Ketel One vodka
½ shot Galliano liqueur
1½ shots pineapple juice
1 barspoon sugar syrup

Simon says: “Fortified pineapple with a subtle hint of cooling peppermint”

All recipes from DiffordsGuide Cocktails No 7 by Simon Difford, www.diffordsguide.com