THE shortlist

TEN SUMMER DRINKS; WITH A KICK ...

TEN SUMMER DRINKS

With a kick ...

Melon & Apple Pimms: A less sweet, low-calorie alternative to the classic Pimms and lemonade. Recipe: two parts Pimms No 1; two parts fresh watermelon juice, two parts apple juice. Garnish with fresh peach, citrus fruit and cucumber. Add ice cubes and stir.

Schnapple: Light, sweet and appley with a vodka base. Recipe: two parts vodka, three parts apple juice, two parts cranberry juice. Add ice cubes and stir.

Sloe Gin Fizz: An aromatic, long, cool English drink. Recipe: two parts sloe gin, one part lemon juice, dash of sugar syrup, dash of egg white. Shake, pour over ice, top up with soda. Serve straightaway.

Mai Tai: Worth all the fuss and costly additions to the cocktail cabinet. Recipe: two-and-a-half parts pineapple juice, dash of almond syrup, dash of grenadine, dash of fresh lime, half part white overproof rum, half part golden rum, half part dark rum, dash of apricot brandy, dash of orange curacao. Shake and pour over ice.

Silk Stocking: Don't be put off by its uncanny resemblance to strawberry Milk of Magnesia. Guaranteed to make any ache go away. Recipe: one- and- a-half parts tequila, one part creme de cacao white, half part grenadine, one part cream. Shake, pour over ice and sprinkle with cinnamon.

Pussyfoot: A sweet, fluffy drink with a sour kick. Recipe: one part orange juice, one part pomegranate juice, two parts pineapple juice, a dash of egg white, and a dash of fresh lemon juice. Shake vigorously and serve straight away over crushed ice.

Atlantic Cooler: A scrummy and exotic pick-me-up. Recipe: two parts apple juice, two parts papaya, one part coconut cream. Flash blend and pour over crushed ice.

Strawberry Spritzer: More of a strawberry sorbet than a shake. Refreshing and not as sweet as it sounds. Recipe: Puree 6 to 8 fresh strawberries in a blender. Pour over crushed ice, add honey to taste. Wash blender out with soda and top up glass. Stir thoroughly and serve straight away.

Banana Smoothie: If bananas are phallic symbols, this is sex in a glass. Recipe: one banana, one part orange juice, one part cream, honey to taste. Blend thoroughly and pour over crushed ice. Mangoes, peaches or strawberries can be used instead of banana.

Citron Presse: The ultimate cooling drink. The mint curiously anglicises a French Classic. Recipe: one part honey, one part fresh lemon juice, top up with soda. Rub rim of glass with mint leaf, add mint sprig, stir.

All drinks made by Gavin, head bartender of the Atlantic Bar and Grill, Glasshouse Street, London W1 (tel 0171 734 4888).

CAYTE WILLIAMS