the mixer
Finds - an acronym for Finland, Iceland, Norway, Denmark and Sweden - is part of the burgeoning dining scene at Elements, Tsim Sha Tsui. The restaurant (the first branch is in Central) may be Scandinavian themed, but its cocktails are designed for warmer climes. Drinks that can be served in ice-cold jugs are perfect for summer entertaining.
Sangria, the Spanish classic, is always popular but there are many variations. Use your imagination by adding different fruits and liquors to the mix.
Restaurant manager Josh So uses white wine with raspberry liqueur, fresh mango and blueberries to create the bar's speciality, the Raspberry Mango. 'It's simple to make and extremely refreshing; great for drinking on the terrace,' says So.
So advises people to select their favourite flavours then mix and match. 'Drinks that can be made in jugs can mix a variety of flavours well, so experiment and create your own signature cocktail,' he says.
Quench your thirst with long summer drinks (HK$200 for a carafe; HK$380 for a jug) at Finds Cafe & Bar, R004, 3/F, Elements, 1 Austin Road West, Kowloon, tel: 2196 8433.
Raspberry Mango (above)
4 fresh blueberries
4 slices of mango
2 shots of raspberry liqueur
2 shots vodka
2 shots Cointreau
150ml orange juice
Dash of sour mix 300ml white wine
Splash of ginger ale
Sour mix can be made at home by boiling equal amounts of sugar and water for about 10 minutes and leaving to cool. Mix with about one third the amount of freshly squeezed lemon and lime. It keeps for a few weeks in the fridge. For the cocktail, throw the fruit into a large jug or pitcher that has been half filled with ice cubes. Add the sour mix, wine and liquors and stir well. Top up with ginger ale and give a final gentle stir.
Classico Sangria (below)
2 shots brandy
2 shots Grand Marnier
150ml orange juice
300ml red wine
Splash of Sprite and ginger ale
Pour the liquors, orange juice and red wine into a large jug half filled with ice cubes. Add the Sprite and ginger ale and gently stir. Throw in some chopped fruit - berries, slices of citrus fruit, diced apple or whatever you have handy - and serve.
