It’s cocktail season. And while 2022 has been declared the year of the espresso martini, and there’s been a lot of fuss over the negroni sbagliato, we have a few of our own local cocktail favourites - like the crisp, refreshing Cosmopolita at Auckland's beloved neighborhood eatery Lilian.

With tangy apple, elderflower, a kick of chilli and bright green droplets of basil oil, it's delicious on its own, but even better paired with a few slices of charred wood-fired pizza. Lucky for us (and you), co-owner Willy Gresson has shared the recipe so you can have a go at making it at home over summer.

“Essentially its Lilian's Cosmopolitan made from NZ ingredients," says Gresson. "We created a variation on the classic vodka cranberry and lime - apple and elderflower are summery ingredients that are familiar, plus the chili and basil adds another layer. It's a simple, fresh and easy drinking cocktail."

Ingredients

45 ml Vodka

30 ml apple juice 

15 ml Lime or lemon Juice 

15 ml Elderflower syrup

Small slice of red chilli (more or less depending on preference)

1 mint leaf 

Method

Shake and double strain into a martini glass 

Garnish with basil leaf or basil oil

Cheers!