Paint July Ruby Red With 5 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.
History of Ruby and its Birthstone Meaning
One of the oldest and most desirable stones throughout history, rubies were discovered over 2000 years ago and quickly became among the most coveted gemstones in the world for their glowing red colour. Rubies exhibit a unique manifestation of the mineral corundum; they would technically be classified as sapphires were it not for their distinctive dark red hue.
They have often been associated with vitality, strength and confidence and are thought to inspire courage in those who wear them. They’re also thought to be the colour of love and passion.
The astrological sign that rubies are predominantly linked to is Cancer whose birthdays fall in this month and are thought to be caring, compassionate and thoughtful.
For those born in July, there are many ways to evoke the power of your birthstone in your drinks, here are 5 wonderful ways to bring a touch of the Ruby’s magic to your bar.
1. The Ruby
With the vibrant zing of grapefruit and the subtle floral nature of elderflower, this cocktail brings together the clean notes of vodka with a subtle fruity profile that will refresh your evenings and bring the vibrancy of rubies into your world.
Ingredients:
45 ml Ketel One Vodka
20 ml elderflower syrup
20 ml grapefruit juice
20 ml lemon juice
15 ml pasteurised egg white (optional)
Method: Combine all the ingredients except the egg white and then shake with ice until combined. Strain out the ice and add the egg white (if using) and shake again for a frothy finish.
2. Bloody Mary
Nothing says passionate ruby red quite like the classic Bloody Mary. With the tart tomato juice paired with the crystal clear vodka, it’s a combination that cannot lose. Add a little bit of spice in the form of hot sauce for an even more potent brew.
Ingredients
50 ml Ketel One Vodka
150 ml Tomato Juice
15 ml Lemon Juice
A few dashes of Hot Sauce
Salt and pepper to taste
Celery stick for garnish
Method: Combine all the ingredients in a shaker with ice. Strain into a tall glass and garnish with a celery stick.
3. Strawberry Martini
Vodka and berries are a match made in heaven and this fruity twist on a martini brings the sweet and tart flavours of strawberry into a fun new context.
Ingredients:
60 ml Ketal One Vodka
30 ml strawberry liqueur
15 ml simple syrup
15 ml fresh lemon juice
2-3 fresh strawberries, hulled
Method: Muddle the strawberries in a shaker, and add the vodka, lemon juice and strawberry liqueur. Shake well with ice and strain into a glass, garnish with a fresh strawberry.
4. Raspberry Daiquiri
Taste the tropics with this fun take on the classic rum cocktail. With a touch of spice rum, you can evoke a passionate edge to this ruby red cocktail.
Ingredients:
60 ml Captain Morgan Dark Rum
30 ml fresh lime juice
15 ml sugar syrup
1 cup fresh raspberries
1 cup ice cubes
Garnish: fresh raspberries and lime wheel
Method: Add all the ingredients to a blender with the ice and blend until smooth. To remove any lumps you can pass it through a wide strainer or enjoy as it.
5. Berry Cooler
Refresh your day with this berry-loaded treat. With a melange of different fruity flavours, this is a mocktail that looks almost too beautiful to drink.
Ingredients:
50 ml Cranberry Juice
50 ml Pomegranate Juice
30 ml Raspberry Puree
20 ml Simple Syrup
150 ml Soda Water
Garnish: Mixed berries
Method: Combine all the ingredients in a large glass and stir with ice. Serve chilled.
