Remix Summer Entertaining Series – Dark and Stormy, only better

Picture this, you’re relaxing next to the pool on a swelteringly hot day, your favourite book perched on your lap, and with a chilled cocktail in hand. The best part? It’s a Sunday. That’s right, we Aucklanders are lucky to have not one, but two long weekends ahead of us and that means making the most of this pocket of sunshine we’ve just been blessed with.

If you prefer to enjoy your extra day off by hiking through our beautiful native bush, or spending the day at the beach, there’s no denying that there’s nothing quite like mixing up a refreshing beverage after a day of adventure. We’ve taken the hard work out of deciding which tipple to choose, by presenting you with our favourite cocktail recipes to unwind with in our Remix Summer Entertaining Series.

Highlighting Phoenix Organics new premium organic mixers, these cocktail recipes use five ingredients or less, and are so incredibly easy to whip up there’s practically no excuse not to try them. Available in packs of four, the Phoenix Organics organic mixers are free from artificial flavours, colours, preservatives and contain no GE ingredients, allowing the flavours of your favourite spirit to really sing.

Rum lovers will be very familiar with the Dark and Stormy, but this is the elevated version of that. It even has caramelised lime! Swap out traditional Ginger Beer for Phoenix Organics Ginger Ale and you’ll be on to a winner. Boasting a fiery, ginger flavour derived from Fijian Ginger root, this version features a hint of citrus and is just as delicious when paired with any dark or golden spirit as it is on its own.

No matter what the long weekend holds in store for you, pick up these simple ingredients and unwind from the week with a zesty cocktail in hand.

DARK AND STORMY, ONLY BETTER, USING PHOENIX GINGER ALE – makes 4

• 120mls Dark Rum
• 10mls bitters
• 2 limes
• 2 Tbsp caster sugar
• 4 bottles of Phoenix Ginger Ale

Cut limes in half and coat the flesh in sugar. In a dry pan, place limes flesh side down on a medium heat until caramelised. Pour 30mls of Dark Rum into a glass and add a dash of bitters. Top up with chilled Phoenix Ginger Ale and garnish with a slice of the caramelised lime.

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