April’s Diamond Is Forever: 5 Sparkling Birthstone-Based Drinks
To many, birthdays are more than just a yearly opportunity for a party and presents, it's a chance to delve into the cosmic connections that shape your life. If you believe in astrology, then Zodiac signs are a wonderful way to explore your personality, and each month has its own special gemstone to make you feel treasured too. But who says that the only way to honour your birthstone is by wearing it? From fiery ruby reds to serene aquamarine blues, you can explore your spiritual connections through the world of colourful mixology with some unique, birthstone-inspired cocktails.
The diamond, the birthstone associated with the month of April, epitomizes eternal strength, purity, and everlasting love. Originating from the Greek word adamas, signifying invincibility and strength, diamonds are known the world over as one of the most precious gemstones across civilisations and cultures. The ancient Romans and Greeks believed that diamonds were fragments of stars or tears of the gods, while in India, they were revered as vajra, symbols of spiritual clarity and strength.
The association of diamonds with April-born individuals is based on the essence of new beginnings and purity. The stone symbolises clarity of mind, incorruptible innocence, and unwavering commitment, making it a fitting emblem for those born in April. For those born in April, therefore, drinks that sparkle like diamonds are a true representation of the gemstone’s strength, purity and endurance. Here are some such cocktails and mocktails you should try.
1. Diamonds Are Forever
Sophisticated and refined, this incredible cocktail proves that diamonds, for April-born people, are indeed forever even in their liquid, inspired form. With a delicate balance of floral sweetness and citrusy brightness, this vodka-based cocktail can be made with Smirnoff or Ciroc. To craft the glamorous Diamonds Are Forever cocktail, start with 50ml vodka, 25ml of elderflower liqueur, 25ml freshly squeezed lemon juice, and lots of ice in a cocktail shaker. Shake the ingredients to infuse them, then strain into a chilled coupe glass. Top it up with champagne or sparkling wine for a touch of diamond-like quality. Garnish with lemon zest and edible flowers too.
2. Sparkling Vodka Cranberry
What does celebration in a glass look like? This cocktail of course! Combining the tartness of cranberries with the clean taste of vodka like Ketel One, this elegant little drink is all you need to turn your evenings into celebrations. To make this one, pour in 50ml vodka, 75ml cranberry juice into a shaker and infuse both. Strain into a chilled champagne flute and top it up with 75ml of chilled sparkling wine for a touch of effervescence and allure. Garnish the cocktail with a few fresh cranberries or a twist of lemon peel and serve it up at your next party.
3. Gin & Rosemary Lemonade
The combination of a fragrant herb like rosemary to gin with its clear, botanical essence is naturally going to create a refreshing and deep cocktail, right? Add to that a touch of lemon and a bit of sparkle and you have a winner at hand. To concoct the refreshing Gin & Rosemary Lemonade cocktail, take 50ml gin, 25ml lemon juice and 15ml of rosemary syrup in a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake vigorously to infuse the ingredients, then pour into a tall glass and add lemon soda for that sparkling quality. Garnish with a sprig of rosemary and serve up this refreshing cocktail.
4. Sparkling Paloma
Earthy tequila meets zesty grapefruit to create this perfectly balanced Paloma cocktail, which you can add a diamond-like sparkle to by topping up with some soda or sparkling water. Bright, refreshing and packed with bold, citrusy flavours, this one is perfect for an evening soiree. To craft this effervescent cocktail, place 50ml tequila, 25ml grapefruit juice and 15ml grapefruit syrup in a cocktail shaker. Add ice cubes, shake until infused and strain into a tall glass. Top it off with 75ml of sparkling water and garnish with a wedge of grapefruit before serving.
5. Sparkling Citrus
Looking for a sparkling, diamond-like drink that is alcohol-free? This mocktail, loaded with the flavours of orange and lemon, is just what you need. Place 50ml orange juice, 25ml lemon juice and 25ml of simple syrup in a shaker filled with ice. Blend until the ingredients are chilled and infused. Strain the citrusy blend into a tall glass or champagne flute and top it up with sparkling water. Garnish with a slice of orange and enjoy the delicate flavours of this mocktail.
