Mixologist Mr Lyan (otherwise known as Ryan Chetiyawardana) is the man behind trailblazing London cocktail bars White Lyan and Dandelyan, and the author of Good Things to Drink with Mr Lyan and Friends. Here are his cocktail ideas for summer days.

When warm weather arrives, aperitifs, highballs and punches are all good options for entertaining. It’s crucial to pick something that paces well and won’t instantly go flat in the heat. Cocktails made with either gin, sherry or cachaça are perfect for balmy evenings.

And if in doubt, vermouth-based summer cups are always popular. Use seasonal ingredients such as summer berries, elderflower and cucumber – they have a wonderful intensity when at their peak, and contrast beautifully with garden

For a refreshing soft drink, try a non-alcoholic take on a traditional bitter-sweet highball. You’ll need pomegranate juice, a dash of raspberry syrup and some alcohol-free bitter soda. Simply fill the highball glass with ice, add all of the ingredients, then garnish with a sprig of mint and a lemon twist. 

Grapefruit & Rosemary Gin Buck
This infusion is great for those summer catch-ups where numbers can unexpectedly swell. It’s easy to prepare, can be kept in the fridge and then finished off when friends turn up. Just be sure to use the best ingredients as possible and make sure you have plenty of ice.

Ingredients
3 grapefruit
100g sugar
2 sprigs of rosemary
1 bottle of dry gin

Method
Peel the grapefruit then add all to a jar and stir. Leave to infuse in a dark place for 2-6 hours, then strain. Keep bottled in the fridge. To serve, pack a small hi-ball with cubed ice, add 50ml of gin infusion, then top with chilled ginger ale and garnish with a slice of grapefruit.

Field Negroni
This is ideal for when the evening starts to creep in. Dark spirits are a natural suggestion here, but this rum-based drink is perfect as a dinner accompaniment whilst still celebrating the best of summer.

Ingredients
25ml White Rum
20ml Campari1
5ml Bianco Vermouth
5ml Elderflower liqueur

Method
Stir the ingredients together over ice, then strain into a tumbler filled with ice and garnish with a strawberry and a slice of fresh fennel.

Good Things to Drink with Mr Lyan and Friends is published by Frances Lincoln, RRP £20