Peridot For August: 5 Birthstone-Based Drinks To Try
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 Peridot And Its Birthstone Meaning
These beautiful light green stones were highly prized by the Egyptians for their luminous qualities. They have the unique ability to reflect the same colour in both natural and artificial light, so unlike some gems that may appear less lustrous at night, Peridots are constantly aglow.
The name "Peridot" is derived from the Greek word "peridona," signifying "giving plenty" and is thought to bring joy and happiness to the wearer. They’re also believed to keep away bad thoughts and nightmares.
They’re often associated with people born in August, under the astrological sign Leo and if you want to channel the joyous power of the peridot, here are 5 drinks ways to bring a touch of its magic to your bar.
1. The Peridot
Capture the luminescent quality of the peridot in a glass with this simple cocktail. The herbaceous notes of chartreuse work well with te purity of vodka for a delicious combination.
Ingredients
30 ml Chartreuse
15 ml Ketel One Vodka
10 ml Agave syrup
60 ml Lime juice
1 sprig of Basil (optional)
Lime zest for garnish
Method: Muddle the basil leaves in a shaker and then add all your liquid ingredients. Shake with ice to combine and then strain into a glass and serve chilled.
2. Key Lime Gimlet
Inspired by the classic dessert, this gimlet twist is fresh and invigorating. If you can’t find finger limes, feel free to sub in regular limes but adjust the sweetness to match.
Ingredients
60 ml gin
20 ml fresh finger lime juice
15 ml simple syrup
Ice
Key lime wheel for garnish
Method: Fill a shaker with ice. Add gin, fresh key lime juice, and simple syrup to the shaker.
Shake well for about 15 seconds. Strain the mixture into a chilled martini glass.
3. Jalapeno Cucumber Cocktail
If you like to walk on the wild side, this cocktail pairs the heat of jalapenos with the fresh flavours of cucumber for a cocktail that is spicy and fresh.
Ingredients
60 ml Don Julio Blanco Tequila
30 ml orange liqueur
20 ml fresh lime juice
4 slices cucumber
1-2 slices jalapeño (adjust to taste)
Ice
Salt for rimming (optional)
Cucumber slice and jalapeño slice for garnish
Method: In a shaker, muddle cucumber slices and jalapeño. Add ice, tequila, orange liqueur, and fresh lime juice to the shaker and shake well. Strain the mixture into a salt-rimmed glass over ice. Garnish with a slice of cucumber and jalapeño.
4. Green Mango Mule
If you prefer your cocktails sour instead of sweet, this cocktail with the tart and uniquely fruity flavours of green mango will be your new favourite. It perfectly embodies the peridot in a glass.
Ingredients
60 ml Smirnoff Vodka
30 ml fresh lime juice
30 ml simple syrup
6-8 fresh mint leaves
½ cup diced green mango
Club soda
Ice
Mint sprig and mango slice for garnish
Method: Muddle fresh mint leaves and diced green mango and add to a shaker with ice. Combine vodka, fresh lime juice, and simple syrup. Shake well and strain into the glass. Top up with club soda to your liking.
5. Apple Twist Mocktail
Bring the fragrance of fresh green apples to a glass with this simple mocktail that captures the colours and purity of peridots in a nutshell.
Ingredients
120 ml green apple juice
60 ml cucumber juice
30 ml honey or agave syrup
15 ml fresh lime juice
Mint leaves for garnish
Cucumber slice for garnish
Ice
Method: In a shaker, combine green apple juice, cucumber juice, honey or agave syrup, and fresh lime juice. Shake well for about 15 seconds. Strain the mixture into the glass over ice.
