Cool seasonal libations to help you spritz, splash and surf your way through summer.

"I drink upon occasion and sometimes I drink upon no occasion," declared literary icon Don Quixote, the title character of Cervantes' classic 17th-century novel. That seems as reasonable an approach as any, especially in these times, for navigating our treasured and leisured way through post-lockdown summer season. And if any season demanded reason for a splash or spritz of indulgent liquefaction, then surely it's this one. Here are three of our favourites among the coolest, most quaffable and thirst-quenching summer cocktails.

The Mojito

One of the iconic summer cocktails is the Cuban mojito – from Havana to be exact. This perfectly balanced libation of lime, rum and fresh mint maximises the season's herbs. It's not only the perfect summer concoction, but one that will get you dreaming of the sea and surf in the deep, dark solitude of winter nights, too.

30ml (1 ounce) lime juice

60ml (2 ounces) white rum

120ml (? cup) soda water

15ml (? ounce) maple syrup 

4g (1 tsp) fine sugar

3 mint leaves, plus additional for garnish