Cocktail Making A glass of wine or goblet of G&T is great… but nothing says summer like sipping on a cocktail! It could be a creamy piña colada, a bubbly Aperol spritz, an ice-cold frozen daiquiri or a fruity jug of sangria – our favourites so often remind us of those perfect moments watching the sun set by the sea. But you don’t have to be at the beach bar to enjoy the same delicious drinks. We’ve got all the cocktail making gear to help you become the bartender, so you can enjoy those holiday flavours in your very own garden. The cocktail kit The first step to becoming an amateur mixologist is getting hold of a cocktail set. A shaker, stirrer, jigger, strainer and muddler are all essential to creating the most delicious drinks, and they’re all ready to go in our 8-Piece Professional Cocktail Gift Set. Now you’ve got the equipment, you’ll need a few cocktail recipes – and the Lakeland blog is a great place to start. You’ll find our handy cocktail making guide as well as delicious recipes like how to make a Negroni (made extra special with a dash of Nielsen-Massey’s Orange Extract). Cocktail recipes also require one or two special ingredients, so we have a selection of exciting additions to keep your cabinet stocked up. Monin syrups are trusted by mixologists everywhere – especially the Passion Fruit Spritz and Strawberry flavours, which couldn’t be better for those summer sippers. Luxardo Maraschino Cherries are a real customer favourite, perfect for a final flourish. Or for something really luxurious, pick up a jar of Wild Hibiscus Flowers in syrup. Their petals begin to unfurl as soon as you pop them in your drink, adding a subtle raspberry and rhubarb flavour. It’s the ultimate edible decoration for cocktails. The perfect serve You’ve shaken, stirred, muddled and mixed – now it’s time to pour. No cocktail can be served without ice, so make sure your trays are stocked up. Reusable ice cubes are a great option here – they’re faff-free, BPA-free and always ready to go. Just wash them up with the glasses, leave to dry and pop them back in the freezer. Finally, the last thing you need is a straw. Reusable straws are a great eco-friendly alternative to single-use plastic – and won’t go soggy in your drink like the paper ones do. Lakeland’s Mini Stainless-Steel Straws are ideal for short cocktails like a Bramble or Negroni – or choose Jolie’s longer Rainbow-Coloured Stainless Steel Straws for taller drinks. A Pimm’s perhaps? And that’s everything you need for summer cocktail making! Pop in a paper umbrella, put on your shades and get sipping in the garden. Fabulous drinks like these are definitely best served outdoors!