Sapphire Summer Cup Cocktail recipe
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Sapphire Summer Cup is a gin-based highball that sits in the same easygoing “cup” tradition as warm-weather spritzes and garden-party coolers: long, bright, and built for sipping. Rather than leaning on a single dominant note, you’ll find it plays like a fruit-and-herb refresher with a lightly fortified backbone from vermouth. It’s less about cocktail lore and more about that modern summer-cup vibe—fresh garnishes, plenty of lift, and a flavour profile that stays crisp from first sip to last.
Gin brings a clean, dry base that’s softened by red vermouth’s gentle sweetness and aromatic depth. Triple sec adds a clear orange sweetness that ties neatly into the orange quarter, while lemon and lime quarters sharpen the edges with fresh citrus bite. Ginger ale stretches everything out with a sweet sparkle and a warming ginger snap, and mint leaves keep the finish cool and bright. Strawberry adds a soft, juicy fruit note, and cucumber slices underline the drink’s crisp, refreshing side.
Serve it when you want something tall, light, and sociable—ideal for sunny afternoons, barbecues, and any occasion where you’ll be chatting between sips. If you like gin but don’t want anything too bracing, this hits a friendly middle ground, and it also suits anyone who enjoys fruit-forward drinks with a clean, herbal finish.
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Highball glass
Ingredients
Cocktail Colin says:
Gin and red vermouth lead with juniper and herbal sweetness, brightened by triple sec and lemon, lime, and orange quarters, while ginger ale adds a fizzy snap; mint, cucumber slices, and strawberries layer cooling green notes and soft berry perfume. It works because citrus and ginger lift the vermouth’s richness and keep the gin crisp, making it ideal for highball drinkers who like refreshing, lightly sweet, garden-fresh sippers.
Method
How to make a Sapphire Summer Cup
- Gin 30ml, Triple sec 15ml, Red vermouth 30ml, Ginger ale 60ml, Mint leaves 5, Lemon Quarter , Strawberry 3, Orange Quarter , Lime Quarter , Cucumber Slices
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- Add the fruit to a glass along with the alcoholic ingredients, and sit for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavour to infuse
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- Serve over a generous serving of ice and spritz with ginger ale before stirring
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- Garnish with more strawberries, mint, cucumber and lemon, and serve
Power tips
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Find out more- To get a more intense flavor infusion, muddle the fruit and mint leaves gently before combining with the alcohol.
- Consider using a premium gin with botanical infusions that can complement the fruity and herbal notes of the cocktail.
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FAQ's
How do I properly garnish a Sapphire Summer Cup?
For a Sapphire Summer Cup, consider using fresh garnishes that complement its fresh and fruity profile. A sprig of mint, a slice of cucumber, or a wheel of lemon or lime can add both visual appeal and a burst of flavor. A strawberry slit halfway and placed on the rim of the glass can also enhance the visual appeal and tie in the strawberry notes from the drink.
What makes the Sapphire Summer Cup a good summer cocktail?
The Sapphire Summer Cup is an excellent summer cocktail due to its refreshing blend of ingredients. The mix of gin with citrus fruits like lemon, lime, and orange provides a refreshing and zesty base, while the cucumber and mint add a cool, revitalizing edge. The addition of ginger ale introduces a slightly spicy, bubbly aspect that makes it incredibly refreshing on a hot day.
Can I substitute any ingredients in the Sapphire Summer Cup without changing the flavor profile too much?
While substitutions can slightly change the taste, you can experiment while staying true to the cocktail's spirit. If you don't have triple sec, using another orange liqueur like Cointreau or Grand Marnier can work. If red vermouth isn't available, a dry white vermouth could be used for a slightly different, but still delicious outcome. Similarly, if strawberries are out of season, raspberries can provide a similar color and tartness.
What type of gin is best for a Sapphire Summer Cup?
A Sapphire Summer Cup benefits from a gin that's not too overpowering in order to allow the freshness of the other ingredients to shine through. A classic London Dry Gin, known for its clear, crisp botanicals, works well. However, for a more floral or aromatic touch, considering a modern craft gin with citrus or floral notes can add an interesting twist to the cocktail.
Is the Sapphire Summer Cup suitable for non-alcoholic versions, and how would I make that?
Yes, you can create a non-alcoholic version of the Sapphire Summer Cup that retains much of the flavor profile. Substitute the gin with a non-alcoholic spirit that has botanical notes. Instead of red vermouth, you can use a non-alcoholic aperitif or a mix of grape juice and a bit of apple cider vinegar for the vermouth's herbal and slightly sweet profile. Keep the rest of the ingredients the same, and ensure to include the ginger ale for that sparkling component.
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