Summer drinks, whether alcoholic or non-alcoholic, aren’t just about the ingredients; they’re about the experience of drinking, the taste, and the joy of socializing. Recognizing this, bar professionals Filip Rebroš and Richard Fialka, Slovak brand ambassadors for MONIN, have, as they do every year, prepared an inspiring program for this season. Their goal is to showcase and define current trends, offer various tips and tricks, and demonstrate the practical use of premium flavored syrups and cocktail mixes.
How would you evaluate the current season and the trends in drink consumption?
We’re in the midst of the season, and we have to say that there’s great interest. Guests are increasing, terraces are filling up, and that’s something we’re thrilled about. Trends during this time have been heading in one direction for several seasons now, and we dare say it’s the right one. We’re returning to simplicity, favoring fewer ingredient drinks, yet working more with quality ingredients, balance, and flavor intensity.
Your program also features non-alcoholic drinks—what do you recommend?
At the outset, classics like lemonades are a must. For their preparation, we recommend quality MONIN purees, complemented by citrus, fresh fruits, and herbs to create a refreshing beverage to cool us down during hot days. Besides, non-alcoholic cocktails and iced teas are increasingly in the spotlight. Let’s not forget coffee-based drinks. We offer a nice alternative to Espresso Tonic, Berry Coldbrew & Tonic (see recipe). MONIN’s uniqueness lies in providing quality products (syrups, purees, tea or coffee concentrates, rooibos, green tea, or cold brew)—it’s the most innovative brand in the global flavoring segment of gastronomy.
As the non-alcoholic section of drinks continues to gain momentum, low-alcohol cocktails are also on the rise.
Yes, people don’t want to get drunk right away during gatherings, picnics, or celebrations. They want to enjoy more drinks, quality ingredients, and time spent with friends, with fewer health consequences. Therefore, in this section, we offer many inspirations, including various spritzers, such as the Sexy Spritz (lychee puree and rose syrup from Monin, citrus, and prosecco). This combination is sure to please the female audience, as the blend of lychee, rose, and prosecco is always a guaranteed success.
What about effervescent drinks?
During the summer months, fizzy drinks and highballs are also popular. The old adage applies here—there’s beauty in simplicity. The key to success lies in quality ingredients and the intensity of flavors. Fresh fruits and herbs shouldn’t be forgotten either. One super summer favorite is the Pinky GT, a great combination of Michlers Genuine Gin, melon syrup from Monin, fresh melon, basil, citrus, and complemented by quality Indi strawberry or classic tonic. It’s a fantastic summer bomb that refreshes, cools down, and certainly creates an experience.
One thing is following trends, another is your own creativity. How do you approach this?
We strive to be innovative, not just by following trends but also by creating them. We try to inspire people—show them how creatively they can work with Monin products, such as making their own homemade products like flavored sodas, cordials, or shrubs. With their syrups and mixes and our creativity, it’s possible to combine several flavors into one final homemade product. This sets us apart from others and speeds up our service.
Can you provide some examples?
A fantastic example is the Jasmine & Peach soda, which, when combined with bourbon, is phenomenal. The Coco & Lemongrass & Lime Cordial is suitable for beautiful and exotic variations of the classic Gimlet cocktail, or the Pink Grapefruit & Basil Shrub, which allows us to prepare an original and unforgettable Paloma cocktail.
What else do you enjoy working with?
For instance, in craft cocktails, the MONIN brand has decided to create the MONIN Sugar range, reminding us of the fundamental and most recognizable taste, sugar. Muscovado, often considered the artisan sugar of the people, from which it derives its name, is an unrefined version of cane sugar. Naturally, it contains molasses, giving it texture and a distinct flavor profile. This syrup can wonderfully enhance classic recipes like the Old Fashioned or Daiquiri, which are making a comeback as a new trend.
Tips for drinks from MONIN brand ambassadors
Berry Cold Brew & Tonic
Ingredients:
- 30 ml MONIN Cold Brew Concentrate
- 20 ml MONIN Berry Syrup
- 3 dashes of orange bitters
- Top with Indi Strawberry Tonic
Preparation: Serve directly
Salted Caramel Nitro Cold Brew
Ingredients:
- 40 ml MONIN Cold Brew Concentrate
- 20 ml MONIN Salted Caramel Syrup
- 120 ml water
Preparation: Serve directly (iSi bottle)
Musco Old Fashioned
Ingredients:
- 50 ml bourbon
- 15 ml MONIN Muscovado Sugar Syrup
- 3 dashes Angostura bitters
- 3 dashes orange bitters
Preparation: Stir in a mixing glass
