With rumours of good weather this weekend it might be the last chance to break out the bbq and have friends round for cocktails before the autumn chill takes hold.

Having recently won three world-class accolades; World's Best Hotel Bar, World's Best Drinks List and World's Best Cocktail list, Sean Muldoon, Head Barman and Mixologist at The Merchant Hotel now brings you a first-class cocktail to enjoy during the final days of summer.

The five star establishment set in the heart of Cathedral Quarter was awarded the prestigious awards at the recent world famous, internationally acclaimed Spirit Awards, as part of the ‘Tales of the Cocktail Festival' in New Orleans.

Sean Muldoon, Bar Manager and Mixologist at The Merchant Hotel said, "Creating cocktails is fun and should be tried by everyone; both the virgin versions and the alcoholic versions. The cocktail I have outlined below is very easy to make and created using the best quality freshest ingredients which really makes the difference between an excellent cocktail and an average one. The presentation is also extremely important - how it looks in the glass and how it is garnished."

Follow these simple steps to create an Indian Summer Cocktail that will leave your guests wanting more...

Raspberry Spritzer:

Shake over ice -
40mls Dry Gin
25mls raspberry cordial
2 fresh raspberries
15mls fresh lime
5mls Kirch de Cuisine
50mls Sweet Rhine Whine (Liebfraumilch)

Strain into an ice-filled Collins Glass and top up with 25mls chilled soda water. Garnish with two raspberries and a mint sprig tip and serve with a long straw.