Extensive Sunshine

Flavor Profile and Tasting Notes for Extensive Sunshine

Sheringham Distillery creates a bright tropical escape with the Extensive Sunshine cocktail featuring their signature Seaside Gin enhanced by citrus and apricot liqueur. This refreshing drink delivers immediate citrus brightness followed by subtle ocean notes from the gin’s winged kelp, while honey syrup and apricot provide a smooth, fruity sweetness that balances the tart lemon and lime perfectly.

How Seaside Gin’s Botanicals Enhance the Tropical Flavors

The cocktail opens with bright citrus notes that awaken your palate, followed by the smooth sweetness of apricot liqueur. Sheringham’s Seaside Gin with its coastal botanicals adds complexity through subtle ocean salinity and rose notes that emerge in the mid-palate. The honey syrup provides a natural sweetness that ties all flavors together, while the tiki bitters add exotic spice notes in the finish. For those preferring less sweetness, reduce the honey syrup to ¼ oz or add extra soda water.

Recipe Variations and Customizations

The Extensive Sunshine cocktail adapts beautifully to personal preferences and seasonal availability. Transform this versatile gin cocktail from Sheringham’s collection by adjusting sweetness levels, trying different fruit liqueurs, or creating batch versions for entertaining.

Popular Variations Using Different Sheringham Spirits

• Replace apricot liqueur with peach schnapps for a Southern twist
• Use Sheringham Beacon Gin for floral cherry blossom notes
• Add ½ oz passion fruit puree for tropical intensity
• Create a frozen version by blending with 1 cup crushed ice
• Make it lower ABV by reducing gin to 1 oz and adding more soda
• Try orange liqueur instead of apricot for a citrus-forward profile

Equipment, Preparation and Make-Ahead Tips for Extensive Sunshine

Creating the perfect Extensive Sunshine requires basic bar tools and about 3 minutes of preparation time. Essential equipment includes a cocktail shaker, jigger for measuring, fine mesh strainer for double-straining, bar spoon for layering soda, and a Collins glass for serving.

Step-by-Step Technique for Best Results

• Chill your Collins glass in the freezer for 10 minutes before serving
• Use fresh-squeezed lemon and lime juice (prep up to 24 hours ahead)
• Make honey syrup by combining 2 parts honey with 1 part hot water
• Fill shaker with ice above liquid level for proper dilution
• Shake vigorously for 10-12 seconds to achieve proper chill
• Pour soda slowly down bar spoon to preserve carbonation
• Prepare dehydrated lemon wheels 24 hours in advance

Perfect Occasions and Food Pairings for Extensive Sunshine

This bright, refreshing cocktail shines at summer gatherings, beach parties, and sunset celebrations. The Extensive Sunshine works beautifully as a welcome drink at warm weather events and outdoor entertaining, offering guests an immediate taste of tropical relaxation.

Ideal Food Pairings with Seaside Gin Cocktails

The citrus-forward profile and moderate sweetness make this cocktail versatile for food pairing. Serve alongside fresh oysters or ceviche to complement the oceanic notes from the Seaside Gin. Light appetizers like shrimp skewers, tropical fruit salads, or goat cheese crostini enhance the cocktail’s bright flavors. For heartier options, pair with grilled fish tacos, coconut curry dishes, or citrus-marinated chicken. The honey and apricot notes also complement soft cheeses and light desserts like lemon tart or panna cotta.

Cocktail History and Similar Drinks

The Extensive Sunshine belongs to the Collins family of cocktails, sharing DNA with classics like the Tom Collins and Ramos Gin Fizz. This modern creation follows the traditional template of spirit, citrus, sweetener, and soda water while adding contemporary touches through craft gin cocktail innovations like tiki bitters and apricot liqueur.

Related Cocktails Featuring Sheringham Spirits

• Traditional Tom Collins uses simple syrup instead of honey
• Swan Collins from Sheringham’s recipe collection
• Bee’s Knees shares the gin and honey combination
• Ramos Gin Fizz adds egg white for creamy texture
• French 75 substitutes champagne for soda water
• Southside adds fresh mint for herbaceous notes

Nutritional Information and Dietary Considerations for Extensive Sunshine

Each serving of Extensive Sunshine contains approximately 180-210 calories, with most calories coming from the alcohol and honey syrup. The cocktail contains about 12-15 grams of sugar from the honey syrup and apricot liqueur combined. Sheringham Seaside Gin is gluten-free, though those with celiac disease should verify the apricot liqueur brand.

This cocktail is naturally vegan when using agave nectar instead of honey syrup. The alcohol content measures approximately 12-14% ABV per serving, similar to wine. For a lower-calorie version (around 140 calories), use sugar-free sweetener and reduce the apricot liqueur by half. Those monitoring sodium should note the pinch of sea salt adds minimal sodium content. Always check specific ingredient labels for allergen information, particularly with flavored liqueurs. Sheringham Distillery’s commitment to quality ingredients ensures their gin meets high standards for dietary considerations.