IF your dad deserves something special this Father’s Day (on Sunday) have a look at these summer cocktails.

They come courtesy of Southern Comfort, who dropped into the Echo offices last week with Giles Looker (pictured right) – a top mixologist and one of Richard Branson’s personal bartenders.

“I’m off to Las Vegas with him (Richard Branson) this month and then I’m going to Glastonbury to work at the fine dining Rocket Restaurant,” says Giles, who has also made cocktails for the likes of Liz Hurley and Kate Moss in his time behind the bar.

However, Giles had to make do serving me last week, when he arrived at the Echo to promote Southern Comfort’s new-look bottle. Turning up with his retro bar, which he wheeled into the building, he rustled up some summer cocktails using Louisiana’s finest.

“They’re great summer drinks,” he says.

“The Bayou Fruit Cup is a great alternative to Pimms.”

So keep the old man sweet with a couple of Giles’ cocktails…

Louisiana Jam

“New Orleans sunshine in a glass… well, jam jar,” says Giles.

35ml Southern Comfort

20ml lemon juice

20ml apple juice

2 teaspoons apricot jam

8 mint leaves

15ml sugar syrup

Place mint leaves in a clean, empty jam jar and gently muddle. Add remaining ingredients, half fill with crushed ice, put lid on and shake vigorously. Remove lid and top up with crushed ice, garnish with a lemon wedge and a sprig of mint.

Bayou Fruit Cup

“A berry based explosion, perfect for summer.”

30ml Southern Comfort

15ml Martini Rosso

Ginger ale

2 Lemon wedges

Seasonal berries/fruit

Fill glass with cubed ice, pour in Southern Comfort and squeeze and drop the lemon wedges into the glass. Add the Martini Rosso, then add the seasonal berries/ fruit and top with ginger ale. Finish with garnish.