Shake up your cocktail traditions this Christmas.

You say cocktail, we say cocOtail. That’s because, at The CocOnut Tree, we like to shake things up a bit – not least when combining our favourite alcoholic flavours! And, as a gift from us this Christmas, we’re sharing our expertise on how to make an award-winning cocotail. Heck, we’ll even throw in an easy recipe to get you started… 

So, ready to blow the Santa hats off your party guests with those oh-my-gosh lip-smacking eye-rolling drinks? We thought so!

PRO TIP #1 – KNOW YOUR JIGGER FROM YOUR MUDDLER.

No, we’re not talking in Sinhala (our beautiful island language). ‘Jiggers’ and ‘Muddlers’ are two of the essential tools needed for the job. A jigger is a little measuring cup. And the muddler is what you use to squash and squeeze your citrus and other botanicals. Then there’s the shaker and the strainer. To kit up, you could always pop to a nearby Christmas market. Or, if time is short, you know where to go. 

PRO TIP #2 – KEEP IT FRESH.

Admit it, those bottles of spirits have probably been sitting in your cupboard since last Christmas. So, liven them up. Fresh citrus fruits that zing and herbs that tickle your nostrils will take your ‘tails to the next level. And top-quality spirits DO make a difference. Plus, don’t forget to roll your lemons and limes between your hands to loosen up the juice inside. (HINT: it makes you look like you know what you’re doing too. 😉)

PRO TIP #3 – PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT.

You heard us, you need to practice. Don’t worry, this isn’t some laborious training regime. In fact, it’s about a million miles away from your last spin class. This is an excuse to have a few tipples before the guests arrive – although advisably, not on the same night.

Start with a couple of classic recipes to understand the balance between ingredients. You don’t have to taste-test the whole drink either – cover a straw at one end with your finger, dip it in the drink, pop the straw in your mouth and lift your finger off the other end. Assess (pause for added professionalism) and adjust. Oh, and write it down too – for some reason you may not remember by the morning.

PRO TIP #4 – KEEP YOUR BALANCE.

Easier said than done after a few, we know. But it’s important to remember that the best cocktails are a symphony of beautifully balanced flavours that bounce your tastebuds between sweet, sour, bitter, and spice. That said, there is no golden bullet – everyone has different tastes. So, start small (like we do when making these cheeky little festive shots for our Christmas diners!) and be aware that sometimes less is more and simple is the sweetest. 

PRO TIP #5 – CREATE ART.

Art? But this is a cocktail recipe blog, isn’t it? It certainly is but how your cocktail, sorry COCOTAIL, looks is SUPER important. It’s the best bit! So go crazy. Be creative. You’ve done the hard work balancing all those nuanced flavours, now it’s time to show off with the odd bit of garnish, some interesting glass wear (eg. Leo the Lion, our Sriki-Tiki ceramic is available for just £10 at any of our TCTs) or even a sparkler or a paper umbrella – as long as you’re having the best fun!

PRO TIP #6 – GIVE IT A GO.

Above anything, your Christmas Cocotail (nailed it) Party is a place to play bartender, drink loads, laugh a lot, and share unforgettable moments. Just go with it. And if it’s rubbish, we’re pretty sure you’ll find someone to drink it. Lookin’ at you here, Uncle Pete. 

Now, as promised, here is a classic traditional Sri Lankan cocotail recipe to get you going:

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The Drunken Sri Lankan

• 20ml of fresh jaw-clenching lime juice
• 1/8 teaspoon (technically, that’s a dash) of turmeric.
• 20ml of yummy sugar syrup
• 20ml Cointreau
• 40ml Arrack (here you go) – it’s kind of in between rum and whiskey.

Whack all of these ingredients in a shaker. Shake like a mad thing for 20 seconds. Strain it into a glass packed with ice and top it up with ginger beer. Then, add a wedge of lime for garnish, andvoila, sit back and lap up the praise. 

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FINALLY, WANT TO SEE THE PROS LIVE?

We’re obsessed with creating authentic Sri Lankan-inspired cocotails that complement our unique & tasty home-cooked dishes. And we love a deal too! Which is why we’ve loads of combo and ‘two-for’ offers on our cocotails – from the flaming Yaka to our award-winning Now or Never Negroni. We’ve even got some banging non-alcoholic mocotails for the designated drivers and tea-totals. Head on down to one of our restaurants and watch the magic happen. 

Let’s get the party started.

See you soon,

TCT

The Coconut Tree is a uniquely Sri Lankan restaurant that promises good food, good people & good times – not forgetting awesome cocotails! Be sure to ask us about our latest offers every time you visit. For more information about our menus and locations, click here.