The best cocktails from this summer
Across July and August, our judges tasted their way through every stand to crown six standout serves. Here they are, along with how to make them at home.
July’s top three
1. Passion Picante – Archive & Myth
Enemigo Cristalino meets milk oolong, passionfruit and yuzu, finished with a kick of chilli – silky, citrus-sharp and a little fiery.
2. Melon Tommy’s Margarita – The Coral Room
Teremana Tequila Blanco with ripe melon, agave and fresh lime – crisp, fruit-sweet and citrus-sharp.
3. Flores Sana – Waeska Bar at The Mandrake
White Truffle Crystal Head Onyx Vodka with passion fruit and lime, layered with porcino mushroom liquor and Lion’s Mane mushroom tincture – earthy, fruity and a little wild.
August’s top three
1. Old Nutter – Laki Kane
Crossfire Hurricane Reserve Rum with Lillet Blanc, Laphroaig and amaro, rounded out with mango, agave and peanut butter – bold, smoky and a little nutty.
2. The Hunter in the Snow – Hidden Society
Four Roses Small Batch Bourbon with apple cordial and calvados, finished with a touch of fernet – warm, orchard-sweet and bittersweet.
3. Kyoto Margarita – GŎNG Bar
Enemigo 55 Blanco with osmanthus and yuzu kosho, balanced with agave and lime – floral, citrus-sharp and quietly complex.
