The Terra Nova legend. - Photos by Peta-Gaye Clachar/staff photographer

One of the greatest gifts you may give your palate is a tall glass of your favourite beverage, chilled to your liking.

Terra Nova Hotel's head bartender, Martin Grace, with over 10 years' experience, tells us how to make three common favourites - the mojito, Piña colada, and the Terra Nova legend.

1. Making the mojito

Put a three-inch piece of mint into a glass, then add some lime juice. Use a moulder to crush the leaf and then add sugar. Half-fill the glass with club soda. Add rum to complete. Add ice, garnish with a slice of lime and enjoy with a cocktail straw.

2. The Terra Nova Legend

Rich, creamy, Piña colada.

The beverage is usually served in the husk of a pineapple.

Get started by cutting the top of the pineapple and removing the fruit from the skin to leave a cup-like husk. Pour a little overproof rum into a blender. Add the pineapple.

Add syrup, rum, ice and blend. Once creamy, pour into the husk of the pineapple. Add a cherry and sip with a jumbo straw.

3. Piña colada

Terra Nova Hotel's head bartender, Martin Grace, adds syrup to other ingredients as he prepares a drink of Piña colada.

Put a few cubes of ice in a blender. Add pineapple, cream, and a bit of strawberry syrup, as well as a little overproof rum and coconut rum. Blend until smooth and creamy and then sip with a jumbo straw.

Here are a few drinking tips:

While Piña coladas can be had on an empty stomach, Mojitos should never be drunk when hungry.

Alcoholic drinks should not be had too early in the day.

Frozen drinks should be sipped through jumbo straws to prevent 'brain freeze'.

Watch the video at www.go-jamaica.com/media.

Golden links:

www.videojug.com/film/how-to-make-a-pina-colada-cocktail

www.instructables.com/ id/Make_a_delicious_Mojito/

Send feedback to anthea.mcgibbon@gleanerjm.com or saturdaylife@gleanerjm.com.