Summer Sparkle

When I have people round, I do like a cocktail that’s made in a jug, rather than shaken up glass by glass. And when it’s hot, something refreshing and with a touch of sourness is called for, I feel. This is where my Summer Sparkle comes in: a drink that’s bright, light, lemon-sharp, and both encapsulates and instantly imparts a most desirable sunny effervescence.

I use San Pellegrino Limonata, as it’s the most emphatically lemony lemonade; you don’t have to use this brand, but do steer away from that ultrasweet clear fizz that, in the UK at least, is sold as lemonade. Also, while the ingredients list below specifies the particular elderflower liqueur I have at home, other brands would no doubt do the job just as well. I should, finally, add that this is better undiluted by ice, so chill the spumante, limonata and jug in good time before making and serving this.

When I have people round, I do like a cocktail that’s made in a jug, rather than shaken up glass by glass. And when it’s hot, something refreshing and with a touch of sourness is called for, I feel. This is where my Summer Sparkle comes in: a drink that’s bright, light, lemon-sharp, and both encapsulates and instantly imparts a most desirable sunny effervescence.

I use San Pellegrino Limonata, as it’s the most emphatically lemony lemonade; you don’t have to use this brand, but do steer away from that ultrasweet clear fizz that, in the UK at least, is sold as lemonade. Also, while the ingredients list below specifies the particular elderflower liqueur I have at home, other brands would no doubt do the job just as well. I should, finally, add that this is better undiluted by ice, so chill the spumante, limonata and jug in good time before making and serving this.