With World Cocktail Day falling on 13 May (that’s today!), it’s the perfect opportunity to slow down, pour a drink, and explore the flavours of the season.
To mark the occasion, Aston Julius, food and beverage creative at Radisson Red V&A Waterfront, is sharing his comforting winter twist on a classic spritz – crafted for easy enjoyment and colder days.
World Cocktail Day commemorates the first recorded definition of the word ‘cocktail’, published in a New York newspaper in 1806. It described a cocktail as ‘a stimulating liquor, composed of spirits of any kind, sugar, water and bitters’ – a simple formula that has since sparked a rich and ever-evolving cocktail culture.
Today, cocktails are more than just drinks – they’re moments. A quiet pause before sunset, a toast with friends, a gentle ritual to wind down at the end of the day. That’s the spirit behind Julius’s latest creation: the Golden Garden Spritz (Winter Edition).
‘For me, winter evenings have a special kind of magic,’ Julius shares. ‘The air is crisp, the light softens, and everything slows down just enough to savour what’s in your glass. That’s what inspired this cocktail. It’s simple, soothing, and brings a little joy to the colder season.’
This spritz is all about ease – no shaking, no fancy tools. Just a few fresh ingredients, a tall glass, and a moment to unwind.
Golden Garden Spritz (Winter Edition)
Ingredients:
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60 ml vodka or gin
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30 ml fresh lemon juice (lime works too)
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15 ml honey syrup (see below)
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2–3 slices of fresh strawberries
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A few torn mint leaves
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Your choice of fizzy mixer:
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Soda water (light and classic)
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Tonic water (bittersweet, ideal with gin)
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Ginger beer (warming and spicy)
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Lemonade or Sprite (bright and citrusy)
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Honey Syrup:
Mix equal parts honey and hot water. Stir until smooth. Store in the fridge for up to one week.
Method:
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Add the strawberries and mint to a tall glass.
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Gently muddle with a spoon to release their flavour.
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Pour in your chosen spirit, lemon juice, and honey syrup.
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Add ice and stir.
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Top with your preferred fizzy mixer.
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Garnish with mint or an extra strawberry slice, if desired.
What makes this cocktail special is its flexibility. Want more fruitiness? Toss in a few extra berries or a splash of juice. Like it tangy? Add more citrus. Prefer it sweet? Adjust the syrup to taste – or even swap in maple syrup for a richer flavour. The Golden Garden Spritz is just the beginning; how you enjoy it is up to you.
So this World Cocktail Day, skip the bar tools and the fuss. Whether you’re sipping it fireside, enjoying it on the patio, or sharing it with friends over dinner, make it your own.
Also read:
Embrace nature, embrace winter – CapeNature’s annual 40% discount is back!
Picture: Supplied
