The popularity of the sundowner cocktail lies in its simplicity and its tendency to transform a regular evening into something special. Whether you’re unwinding after a long day or hosting a casual get-together, the sundowner cocktail, with its harmonious blend of flavors, is sure to impress.

In our recipe, we’ll be using the various tools usually present in any good cocktail shaker set, ensuring precision and ease in every step of the cocktail-making process.

The History and Background of the Sundowner Cocktail

The term “sundowner” is traditionally associated with the end of the workday, often celebrated with a casual drink. This concept has roots in various cultures and has been embraced globally, with each region adding its own unique touch to the sundowner experience.

Ingredients for the Sundowner Cocktail

A classic Sundowner Cocktail typically features a blend of simple yet flavorful ingredients. While there are many variations, we’ll focus on a version that highlights freshness and accessibility. Here’s what you’ll need:

Spirits

The choice of spirit is crucial. A smooth gin or vodka serves as an excellent base, providing a clean canvas for the other flavors.

Citrus Flavour

Freshly squeezed lemon or lime juice adds a zesty, refreshing twist, vital for that perfect sundowner zing.

Sweetener

A touch of simple syrup or honey balances the citrus’s tartness, adding a subtle sweetness to the cocktail.

Herbal Notes

Fresh herbs like mint or basil can introduce an aromatic dimension, enhancing the overall sensory experience.

Soda Water

A splash of soda water brings lightness and effervescence, making the cocktail more invigorating.

Each ingredient plays a pivotal role in creating the sundowner’s signature taste. The beauty of this cocktail recipe lies in its flexibility.

You can adjust the proportions to suit your palate or experiment with additional flavors like bitters or fruit garnishes.

Sundowner Cocktail Recipe

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Calorie Count: Approximately 150-200 calories per serving (varies based on ingredients used)

Ingredients:

• 60 ml (2 parts) of your preferred gin or vodka
• 30 ml (1 part) freshly squeezed lemon or lime juice
• 15 ml (½ part) simple syrup or honey
• Fresh mint or basil leaves
• Soda water
• Ice cubes

Note: For this recipe, we’ll be using the precision-driven jigger from Interplay Concepts’ cocktail set for accurate measurements, and the stainless-steel stirring spoon for a perfect blend.

Method

1. Mix the Base: In the Interplay Concepts stainless-steel shaker, combine the gin or vodka, lemon or lime juice, and simple syrup or honey.
2. Muddle the Herbs: Gently muddle a few mint or basil leaves in the shaker to release their essential oils.
3. Shake it Up: Add a handful of ice cubes to the shaker. Secure the tight-seal cap and shake vigorously for about 15-20 seconds.
4. Strain and Serve: Strain the mixture into a chilled glass. Top it off with a splash of soda water for that added fizz.
5. Garnish and Enjoy: Garnish with a sprig of mint or a lemon wheel and serve immediately.

Garnishing Options

• Citrus Twist: Add a twist of lemon or lime peel for a zesty garnish.
• Berries: A few raspberries or blackberries can add a pop of color and a hint of fruitiness.
• Cucumber Slice: For a refreshing twist, add a thin slice of cucumber.
• Edible Flowers: Edible flowers like violets or borage flowers can make your cocktail visually stunning.

There you have it – a simple yet delightful Sundowner Cocktail that’s perfect for any evening. Using the high-quality mixing tools that come in our cocktail set, you can prepare this drink, making each sip a testament to your mixology skills.