Northern Lights Cocktail

What exactly is the Aurora Borealis and when can it best be viewed? We’ve got our lab coats and peaked caps on for this one.

The Northern Lights, aka Aurora Borealis, appears in the clear night sky and to the naked eyes appears like swirling rivers of greenish-blue light. They move and dance erratically; sometimes barely perceptible, then all of a sudden it goes dramatic. In simple terms, the auroras can be explained as an interaction of the solar wind and the Earth’s magnetic field.

The viewing times are from late September to late March, in other words, between the equinoxes. So now you know when you and your friends can go aurora chasing.

The prime viewing locations for viewing the Aurora Borealis in Ireland are Donegal, the North Mayo Coast, Achill Island and the Mullaghmore Peninsula.

But…before (or after) heading out on your aurora-minded mission, we recommend you host an Aurora Borealis soiree. And yes we do in fact have just such a cocktail to commence Aurora Borealis search festivities!

Ingredients

3.5oz white tequila
12 blue butterfly pea flowers
1 tsp. edible glitter
1 bottle of Perrier Mineral Water

Citrus Simple Syrup

1.8oz caster sugar
1 lime juiced
1 grapefruit juiced

Additional items

ice cube tray

Steps

For the ice, mix the flowers with 1.25 cups of boiled water and leave to infuse for an hour. Strain into an ice cube tray and freeze overnight, until solid.

Next pour the tequila into a jug and add the flowers. Stir and leave to infuse overnight in a cool place.

Meanwhile make the citrus syrup. In a small pan heat the sugar and 3.5oz water over low heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Remove from the heat and stir in the lime and grapefruit juices. Chill until you’re ready for next step.

To serve, remove the flowers from the tequila and stir in the glitter. Pull the ice from the tray, crush and divide into 4 glasses. Pour in the tequila mixture, then steady now….add the citrus syrup and watch the cocktail change colour like an Aurora Borealis! Top up with Perrier Mineral Water and share.