March’s Ode To Aquamarine: 5 Birthstone-Based Drinks To Enjoy
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.
Aquamarine, the birthstone associated with the month of March, has a brilliant legacy linked to tranquility and maritime allure. The very name aquamarine is derived from the Latin words aqua and marina, which mean “water of the sea” and capture the mesmerising hues of the ocean. The ancient Greeks and Romans believed that carrying the aquamarine gemstone on sea journeys safeguarded sailors and ensured safe passage across tumultuous waters. The ancients also hailed it as a symbol of love and eternal youth, associating it with the sea god Neptune and the enchanting sirens.
Since then, aquamarine has symbolised purity and harmony while its serene blue tones evoke the calming essence of water. Ranging from pale sky blues to deeper cerulean tones, this gemstone embodies versatility and depth. As a birthstone, aquamarine symbolises inner strength and the clarity of purpose, offering those born in March a gemstone that mirrors the serenity and strength of the sea. If you are a March-born person who wants to explore some delicious drinks that capture the aquamarine colours, then here are some options you can explore.
1. The Aquamarine
Just like its namesake birthstone, The Aquamarine cocktail embodies elegance, tranquility and serenity with its vibrant blue hue and delightful balance of citrus and sweetness. Refreshing and invigorating in taste, this cocktail is made with good quality gin like Gordon’s. To craft this one, pour in 50ml gin, 25ml blue curaçao, 25ml lemon juice and ice. Shake vigorously to chill the ingredients and harmonize the flavours thoroughly. Strain the drink into a chilled coupe glass and garnish with a twist of lemon zest and edible flowers to enhance the visuals of the cocktail.
2. Aqua Velva
Reminiscent of the bluest of oceans during summer days, the colours of this yummy cocktail are accentuated by the clean, crisp and refreshing flavours of vodka, blue curacao and lemonade. This makes the Aqua Velva the perfect cocktail to sip on during a warm summer day. To craft this cocktail. Mix 50ml Smirnoff vodka, 25ml blue curaçao, 25ml of sweet and tangy lemonade with ice cubes in a shaker. Shake, chill and strain the cocktail into a chilled Collins glass filled with ice cubes. Top it off with some lemon-lime soda and serve with a lime twist.
3. Blue Hawaiian
Blue seas and tropical paradise gel really well together, don’t they? Capturing the colours of aquamarine and both the seas and a tropical island, the Blue Hawaiian combines the exotic flavours of coconut, pineapple and blue curacao. To make this cocktail, start with 50ml white rum, 25ml blue curaçao, 50ml pineapple juice and ice cubes placed in a cocktail shaker. Strain the captivating blue elixir into a tall glass filled with ice, float a splash of coconut cream on top and garnish with a wedge of pineapple. Sip on the blue drink and get transported to a tropical island immediately.
4. Aquamarine Alpine
If you find yourself wondering if the blue seas and sunlight combine to create a sparkling aquamarine effect, then this gin-based cocktail is for you. As you sip and savour its invigorating taste, memories of tranquil beachside evenings will wash over you like waves because that’s how transportative this drink is. To make the Sapphire Alpine cocktail, pour in 50ml Tanqeray gin, 25ml of blue curaçao, 25ml of freshly squeezed lemon juice and ice cubes in a shaker. Blend the flavours together by shaking, then strain the chilled cocktail into a martini glass. Garnish with a twist of lemon and a fresh mint sprig and enjoy the balance of citrus and sweetness.
5. Blue Lagoon
As the very name suggests, this alcohol-free mocktail captures the striking aquamarine hues of a tropical lagoon while giving you a harmonious balance of sweet and tangy flavours. Since it is made without any alcohol, this one is appropriate for kids and adults alike. To make a Blue Lagoon mocktail, infuse 50ml of blueberry syrup in a shaker with 25ml of freshly squeezed lemon juice and plenty of ice cubes. Strain the vibrant mixture into a glass packed with crushed ice and top it off with 40ml of lemon or lime soda to get that sparkling quality in. Garnish with a cherry or two for that added pop of colour.
