Sam Harris mixes it with the best and suggests some cool Caribbean inspired cocktails for the weekend
To get the party started, here are some suggestions.
Rum enthusiasts will recognise the meaning of the ’duppy share’, the dark spirits in Caribbean folklore who hop islands to steal a share of rum left ageing in oak barrels.
They only steal the best though, so The Duppy Share Caribbean Rum (£37.99, 70cl, Selfridges nationwide) is the perfect choice for the ultimate communal cocktail.
A blend of Jamaican and Barbados rum aged in American oak bourbon barrels, this is soft and approachable with a honeyed note on the spicy finish.
THE DUPPY SHARE JAMAICAN PUNCH
SERVES 4
200ml The Duppy Share
120ml pineapple juice
80ml orange juice
80ml coconut water
60ml freshly squeezed lime juice
40ml grenadine
12 dashes Angostura Bitters
Pour all the ingredients into a sharing bowl and stir. Serve in glasses with handles over ice using a ladle, and garnish with lots of fresh fruit.
Hendrick’s, the excellent Scottish gin is usually served with a simple slice of cucumber to enhance its botanicals and 10-plus different flavours (Hendrick’s Gin, £26, 70cl, Sainsbury’s).
So isn’t it nice to see Hendrick’s embracing the current trend for punch and coming up with this deliciously refreshing alternative to their traditional G & T.
HENDRICK’S SUMMER PUNCH
SERVES 10
500ml Hendrick’s Gin
200ml lemon juice
70ml elderflower cordial
30ml maraschino liqueur
20ml lovage cordial
1000ml cloudy apple juice.
Combine all the ingredients together in a large bowl and add plenty of summer fruits – strawberries, raspberries, cucumber and lemon wheels. Add a generous scoop of ice, then serve in tea cups over cubed ice.
Such a Spanish holiday favourite, it’s almost a cliche, but contrary to popular belief, Sangria doesn’t have to be made with that ubiquitous bottle of cheap red plonk, and it can also be deliciously dressed up with your favourite bottle of red such as a merlot, cabernet sauvignon or Rioja.
Likewise, topping it up with Spain’s most popular sweet liqueur, Licor 43 (£17.99, 70cl, www.drinkssupermarket.com) will heighten the pleasure. Smooth and silky, it’s made from Mediterranean fruits and herbs and the vanilla and caramel flavours are versatile enough to enjoy neat.