Mixing with Ava Matthews: Basil and Elderflower Spritz cocktail recipe

If a Pimm’s Cup is your usual sip when doing some summer entertaining, then Ava Matthews, founder of beauty brand Ultra Violette, has a cocktail for you. The Elderflower Basil Spritz combines the fun and colour of a pitcher cocktail with the sophistication of a glass of Champagne. “This is a great alternative to a Spritz of Pimm’s, and a bit more floral, perfect for garden drinking,” says Ava. For an al fresco lunch with the girls or a barbecue with a bit more flair, this is what you should be serving (just wait for the applause). A fancy pitcher and matching glassware aren’t necessary, but absolutely encouraged.

Less sweet than Pimm’s, and less bitter than an Aperol Spritz, elderflower is lemon-like and grassy, and makes this drink chiefly floral and fresh. The peppery basil and lemon add some zest, while the cucumber slices pace the flavour. It’s like a flower you can sip.

Pitcher cocktails are excellent for entertaining because one mix makes many drinks, and with some prep work before your guests arrive, making refills is super simple. 

It can also be a good idea to prep a whole heap of extra fruit slices and garnishes and lay them all out, so guests can pick and choose what they want in their glass. It also means everything is there for others to mix up another batch once the first jug is gone, too.