The summer months herald opportunities for refined refreshment, with longer evenings and warmer temperatures creating the perfect backdrop for sophisticated cocktail experiences. Chef Mike has developed four signature cocktails that balance premium ingredients with straightforward preparation, ensuring remarkable results even for those new to home bartending.

At the heart of each creation lies Salcombe Gin ‘Start Point’, a premium London dry gin selected for its exceptional smoothness and complex yet balanced botanical profile. Available now, this award-winning spirit serves as the perfect foundation for our summer collection, each cocktail designed to transport you to sun-dappled coastal settings.

The art of sunset: mastering the Negroni Spritz

The Negroni Spritz as the ultimate companion for those magical moments when day transitions to evening. This sophisticated adaptation merges the complex bitterness of a classic Negroni with the light effervescence of a summer spritz.

Ingredients:

• 25ml Salcombe Gin ‘Start Point’
• 25ml Campari
• 15ml St-Germain Elderflower liqueur
• 15ml Orange blossom water
• Sparkling wine to top
• Red grapefruit for garnish

Expert technique: The key to perfecting this cocktail lies in temperature control and gentle stirring. Begin by filling a large wine glass with ice and setting it aside to chill thoroughly. This seemingly simple step ensures optimal temperature without excessive dilution.

Combine the gin, Campari, elderflower liqueur and orange blossom water in a mixing glass with fresh ice. Stir gently for approximately 30 seconds—stirring rather than shaking maintains clarity while achieving perfect dilution. Strain into the chilled wine glass, top with quality sparkling wine, and garnish with a slice of red grapefruit.

The resulting balance between bitter Campari, aromatic gin, floral elderflower and bright citrus creates a sophisticated aperitif that primes the palate while offering remarkable refreshment.

Coastal essence: crafting the perfect Salty Salcombe

The Salty Salcombe is a premium take on the classic Paloma, adding a distinctive salted rim that evokes memories of seaside air and maritime adventures. The salt element plays a crucial role, enhancing both flavour complexity and sensory connection to coastal environments.

Ingredients:

• 50ml Salcombe Gin ‘Start Point’
• 35ml Red grapefruit juice (freshly squeezed)
• 15ml Lime juice
• 15ml Agave syrup
• 20ml Sugar syrup
• Soda water
• Maldon Salt flakes
• Red grapefruit for garnish

Expert technique: The salt rim requires particular attention for optimal results. Use freshly squeezed grapefruit juice rather than pre-packaged alternatives—the natural oils in the fresh juice help the salt adhere properly. Apply the salt to only half the rim for greater drinking flexibility.

When building the cocktail, add ingredients in the proper sequence: first ice, then spirits, followed by juices and syrups. This order ensures proper mixing without unnecessary agitation. Add soda water last, pouring slowly down the inside of the glass to preserve effervescence. The final cocktail should present a gradient effect—visually striking while delivering a perfect balance of sweet, sour, salty and botanical notes.

Reimagined classics: the definitive Marmajito method

The Marmajito stands as perhaps the most innovative offering—a creative reinterpretation that transforms the traditional Mojito into something simultaneously familiar yet remarkably distinctive. The unexpected addition of blood orange marmalade provides depth and complexity typically absent from summer refreshments.

Ingredients:

• 50ml Salcombe Gin ‘Start Point’
• 2 bar spoons Blood orange marmalade
• 10ml Lemon juice
• 10 Mint leaves
• Elderflower tonic water
• Red grapefruit garnish

Expert technique: The marmalade integration presents the greatest technical challenge in this recipe. Ensure it fully dissolves by first muddling it gently with room-temperature gin before adding other ingredients and ice. This prevents unwanted marmalade chunks in the final presentation.

The shaking technique proves equally important—shake vigorously for precisely 10 seconds to emulsify the marmalade while releasing essential oils from the mint. Double straining removes mint fragments and marmalade particulates, resulting in a pristine presentation.

Select elderflower tonic carefully—premium brands offer cleaner flavour profiles without excessive sweetness. Pour slowly over ice to maintain effervescence, finishing with mint and grapefruit garnishes positioned to release aromatic compounds with each sip.

Heritage celebration: St. Clair sophistication

Named with a nod to historic trading vessels, our St. Clair cocktail delivers effortless elegance perfect for elevated summer celebrations. The streamlined ingredient list belies remarkable depth, with each component selected for perfect harmony.

Ingredients:

• 25ml Salcombe Gin ‘Start Point’
• 25ml St-Germain elderflower liqueur
• 20ml Red grapefruit juice
• Soda water
• Red grapefruit peel garnish

Expert technique: Glassware selection proves crucial for this cocktail—choose a genuine Champagne flute rather than a coupe to preserve effervescence and concentrate aromas. Pre-chilling the flute is essential; ideally refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before preparation.

When shaking, aim for optimal dilution by counting precisely 10 seconds of vigorous agitation. The double-straining technique requires particular attention—use a fine mesh strainer alongside the standard Hawthorne strainer to remove ice shards and pulp fragments.

For the garnish, cut grapefruit peel with minimal pith, twist over the drink to express essential oils, then position delicately on the rim. This final touch adds aromatic dimension that elevates the drinking experience from excellent to exceptional.