5 Things: Top summer cocktails

On a hot summer’s day there are scarce things more enjoyable than a refreshing cocktail. They come in all alcoholic varieties and colors, from the exotic to the classic and they always seem to make a patio more enjoyable.

With the rainy days quickly rolling by, we can soon expect the scorching summer sun in the Pearl River Delta and with that comes the need for fruity summer drinks.

So, for this week's 5 Things, we turned to Nicolas Philbois, bar manager at Revolucion Cocktail in Guangzhou, to give us the rundown on what liquor-laden drinks will be hot this summer.

Philbois has been at Revolucion for two years and, as a result, he has pretty acute knowledge of mixology.

A number of the drinks he shared with That’s are only available at Revolucion locations, but Philbois was happy to delve into the finer details of each drink so you can experiment and enjoy at home.

Revolucion Cocktail

Made with fresh rosemary, passion fruit, apple juice and an ounce of Havana Club, the Revolucion Cocktail is easy to drink and packed with flavor.

Garnished with a slice of passion fruit, topped with a burning sugar cube, this drink is a strong contended for best summer cocktail.

Insiders tip: the secret ingredient in this cocktail is undoubtedly the fresh rosemary, without it – its another drink entirely.

G&G

One of Revolucion’s best selling cocktails, this drink screams fresh the second it cascades over your tongue. Made from a grapefruit-base mixed with gin (where the name G&G comes from) this drink is enjoyable for both men and women, despite being a sweet cocktail.

The G&G can be made with one once of gin, for casual drinking, or made strong with two, or possibly even three ounces.

Thai-breaker

Originating from the south of France, this drink is perfect for a beach day or a warm evening on the patio. An invigorating blend of mint leaf, passion fruit, spiced rum and ginger beer – tangy and savory are the two words that best describe this delectable summer drink.

The Thai-breaker is one of those cocktails you’ll drink so quickly you’ll find yourself asking where it went.

Rockstar

Made with Grand Marnier, fresh rosemary, raspberry puree and cranberry juice, this drink is both refreshing and chockfull of flavor.

In truth, the best way to describe this cocktail is surprising because the ingredients are truly eclectic and they work together superbly.

The Rockstar is a perfect pre-dinner cocktail.

Go-Go Mango

This cocktail is for those hungover days when you just can’t stand the thought of alcohol. You know what I’m talking about - pounding head, shaky hands and a newfound will to never touch alcohol again.

On these days, the Go-Go Mango is the drink to sip on. For starters, it’s non-alcoholic and healthy. The bonus – it’s also delicious and full of zest.

This ‘mocktail’ is a mixture of mango puree, passion fruit puree, and pineapple juice.

Consider the Go-Go Mango next time you need a night off the sauce.

//  To see more from our 5 Things series, click here.