August nights are perfect to spend some hours in good company sipping a delicious, alcoholic or non, cocktail. Lately, thanks to my natural desire for experimentation, I decided to try to make my own cocktails, instead of just drinking them. As a matter of fact I always have a lot of fun creating new and strange recipes and, later, being able to name my own creations. Was it hard? Well, of course, as it is for anything, I had a bit of a rough start but, once you get used to it, this activity is pretty simple. I must admit: I’m so into cocktails that, during one of my last trips in Paris, I even decided to buy a cocktail-kit and attended a lesson to become a bartender, after which I had the chance to sip with satisfaction my “Ghost Touch”. That is the cocktail I created at the end of my lesson and I had the chance to enjoy from the top of a terrace with an amazing view! Here’s what you need to prepare it: mango-flavored vodka, pineapple juice, ice cubes, ginger and mint leaves. With a shot-measure, mix vodka and juice. Later, cut a slice of ginger and pestle it in a mortar with mint. Mix everything and shake it adding ice. The result will surely be satisfying. Cocktails follow and, somehow, reflect my mood: that is why when I need some sweetness, I always choose the “Wind Maker”. It is a cocktail I tried on a club night and that I also learnt to prepare. All you need are a spoon of fresh mint infusion, a spoon of orange crust infusion, two spoons of elder flowers syrup, two spoons of cassis vodka, five spoons of champagne and a sugar cube. You’ll just have to pour in a champagne flute all your ingredients except the sugar cube that has to be added right before drinking your cocktail. If you’re not into elder flower, you should try this bittersweet cocktail to enjoy with your friends, “Temperia” cocktail, made of vodka (2cl), orange juice (2cl), grapefruit juice (1,5cl), raspberry cream (1cl) and an orchid flower.