Although its botanical name Prunus persica suggests the peach originated from Persia, it actually comes from China and has been cultivated there since the Neolithic period. The peach symbolises fertility, unity and immortality and is often depicted in Chinese art and is a common decoration on birthday cakes. It is closely related to the almond and is from the rose family.

Another Chinese fruit, the lychee is known as the ‘King of Fruits’. It has a bumpy and rich red hue exterior but beneath the skin it has a translucent white or pink interior with a texture that is similar to a grape's flesh. This lychee liqueur is made in Begudà in the Provence of Girona in Spain. It has a refreshing and unusual taste balancing sweetness with a slight acidity reminiscent of the Muscat grape with the exotic flavours of lychee and a rose floral flavour which balances well with the peach.

English chemist Joseph Priestley discovered an artificial method of producing carbonated water in 1772 but it wasn’t until 1877 that the original trademarked club soda was made by Cantrell & Cochrane of Dublin, Ireland. It has a mild salty taste and balances both the sweetness of the peach and lychee.

This garden style cocktail is based on a Cuban mojito. Peach is muddled with lime juice, lychee liqueur and a sprig of mint leaves then shaken over ice with white rum and topped with club soda for a refreshing summer aperitif. #GlobalApron