Summer spirits

The Alchemist tasting panel reviews sips for the sunny season

Hot weather demands lighter spirits and less complicated cocktails. Getty Images photo

Once summer’s warmer, sunnier weather finally arrives, we crave drinks that are lighter and easier, more refreshing and less complicated. No one knows that better than the bartenders who craft all your Margaritas, G&Ts, spritzes and other summertime thirst quenchers. So we asked them to share their favourite warm weather spirits, and the cocktails they would make with them. This issue, our tasting panel team comprises bartenders J-S Dupuis, Robyn Gray, Jeff Savage, Grant Sceney and David Wolowidnyk. Here’s what they had to say. 

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Check In

Grant Sceney’s Check In. Photo courtesy of Fairmont Pacific Rim

Recipe by Grant Sceney, Fairmont Pacific Rim.

• 1 oz Tanqueray gin

• 0.67 oz Blueberry Lavender Oleo (see note)

• 0.67 oz lemon juice

• 0.25 oz Luxardo Bitter Bianco

• 3 oz Blue Mountain Brut (or other sparkling wine)

• Garnish: Thyme flower

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Playin’ Cello

Playin’ Cello. Alison Kuhl photo

This bright, elegant cocktail is by Nico Tognon at Tutto Restaurant and Bar.

• 1.5 oz Tanqueray gin
• 0.5 oz Luxardo Limoncello
• 0.5 oz Aperol
• 0.5 oz lemon juice
• 1 oz homemade raspberry syrup (see below)
• Garnish: lemon twist

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