Spring cocktails demand ice and fruit in big measures. Frozen daiquiris are perfect for warm nights but to put a fresh spin on an old favourite, throw some herbs into the mix. At Bex in Central, bar manager Chris Au uses mint to enliven the ubiquitous strawberry daiquiri. The herb not only adds a crisp, perky flavour but, also, tiny flecks of green dot the blended red slush. 'I wanted to do something different to add a fresh flavour and look,' says Au.
Daiquiris are easy to make at home when entertaining because everything can be whizzed together quickly. You can use dark or light rum and many types of fruit, such as banana, lychee, avocado and grapefruit. Always use lime juice and sugar syrup to taste so the flavour is balanced. Besides mint, other suitable herbs and spices include cumin seeds with pineapple; ginger or cayenne pepper with grapefruit; and coriander with lychees.
Bex is a modern but cosy lounge offering hookah pipes and barbecued snacks along with drinks. Each member of staff has a cocktail named after them, including whisky-loving owner Kay Seto, for whom Au created the popular In The Name of Seto.
Try Au's cocktails (HK$58 to HK$78) at Bex, 4/F, SoHo Square, 21 Lyndhurst Terrace, Central, tel: 3102 2066.
Mint and strawberry daiquiri (far right)
1 shot gold rum (Captain Morgan)