Straya

This was my second popular cocktail invention, and a great vodka cocktail. It arrived hot on the heals of the Measle, and tastes even better. As an Australian cocktail is pretty good on a hot summer day in January when your tray of mangoes needs to be eaten. Straya really is an all round typical Aussie – good looking with good taste.

Recipients: People who like smoothies, everyone else

Type: Frozen

EQUIPMENT

Blender that can crush ice

Tall, clear tumbler

Straw, swizzle stick, chopstick or tall spoon

INGREDIENTS

30-45ml vodka

Flesh of half a medium to large mango – can be fresh or frozen. I’ve never used canned or pulp yet

Ice

100-150ml lemonade – This is Sprite or 7Up if you are in USA

30ml green cordial

METHOD

In a blender place the mango, vodka and a good amount of ice. The amount of ice will depend on the capacity of your blender, the density of the ice and how hot a day it is..

Blend until smooth and thick. We are aiming for a thick slushie. It needs to plop in separate globs into the glass, not pour out. Add more ice if necessary

Plop this mixture into a glass until the glass is no more than three quarters full. Slowly, gently nearly fill the glass with Mountain Dew. Slowly, gently add the green cordial.

The two mixes should stay separate for a while and you’ll have a green and gold drink.

It tastes better if stirred and that is what the straw is for. I don’t recommend drinking the mango vodka mix by itself.