Recipe of the day: Golden garden spritz cocktail

In honour of World Cocktail Day, Aston Julius, the food and beverage mastermind at Radisson Red V&A Waterfront, is introducing a cosy, winter-inspired twist on a classic spritz, perfect for leisurely sipping and warming up during the chilly months.

World Cocktail Day commemorates the anniversary of the first published definition of the term “cocktail” in a New York tabloid back in 1806.

It was described as “a stimulating liquor, composed of spirits of any kind, sugar, water, and bitters,” a blend that has blossomed into a rich culture of innovative mixology over the years.

Today, cocktails are all about creating memorable moments: that serene hour just before sunset, a gathering with friends, or a quiet ritual to signal the end of a long day.

For Julius, this is what makes the Golden Garden Spritz (winter edition) so enchanting. “There’s something uniquely comforting about a winter evening,” shares Julius. “The air gets crisp, the light dims, and time seems to slow just enough to appreciate what’s in your glass.

“That feeling inspired this cocktail. It’s elegantly simple, a tender way to elevate the enjoyment of the colder season.”

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Golden Garden Spritz (winter edition) recipe:

Ingredients

• 60ml vodka or gin
• 30ml fresh lemon juice (lime juice also works)
• 15ml honey syrup (see recipe below)
• 2 to 3 slices of fresh strawberries
• A few torn mint leaves
• Your choice of: soda water (light and classic), tonic water (bittersweet, great with gin), ginger beer (warming and spicy), lemonade or Sprite (extra citrusy), honey syrup (mix equal parts honey and hot water. Stir until fully combined. Store in the fridge for up to a week.)

Method

1. In a tall glass, add the strawberries and mint.
2. Gently muddle with a spoon to release the flavour.
3. Add your spirit of choice, lemon juice and honey syrup.
4. Stir with ice.
5. Top with your preferred fizzy mixer.
6. Garnish with mint or an extra slice of strawberry if you like.

This cocktail is designed to be as flexible as it is flavourful. Want it fruitier? Add extra berries or a splash of juice.

More tart? Up the citrus.

Prefer it sweeter? Add more syrup or try maple for richness.

The Golden Garden Spritz is a starting point. The rest is up to you.

There’s no perfect way to enjoy it. Take it outdoors for a patio sunset, sip it fireside, or pour a round at your next dinner with friends.

World Cocktail Day reminds us of the long tradition behind our favourite drinks.

But this year, enjoy the moment in a more relaxed way. No fancy tools, no fuss. Just the right flavours for the season, made your way.

Recipe supplied by: Aston Julius, food and beverage creative at Radisson Red Waterfront