One of the most stressful aspects of hosting a party is catering for guests and that includes drinks. While having a self-service bar with bottles of wine and beer is an easy option, it’s a LOT more fun to add a few cocktails into the mix.
Being your own mixologist doesn’t have to tie you down all night, with plenty of easy options that you and your guests can whip up on the spot. Additionally, there is an abundance of big batch options that you can prepare ahead of time so you are free to socialize.
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Sangria
For a big batch cocktail, you can’t go past sangria. Originally from Spain, this refreshing summer drink is also easy to tweak to suit your taste buds. For one bottle of dry red wine, you’ll need a 1/3 cup of brandy and 3/4 cup of orange juice. To this mix, you can add apples, oranges, lemons and a teaspoon of ground cinnamon, plus a few tablespoons of brown sugar. Simply muddle and enjoy!
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Moscow Mule
Combining vodka, ginger beer, and a splash of lime juice, this delicious mixed drink is easy to whip up. Just combine all of the ingredients, stir gently and add a garnish of lime. For authentic results, serve it in a copper mug!
Espresso martini
Featuring espresso, vodka and Kahlua, this caffeinated take on a martini is always a crowd-pleaser. All you need to do is mix all of the ingredients in a shaker and pour. For that signature “froth” on the top, you need to use real espresso coffee! Garnish with a couple of coffee beans to complete the cocktail.
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Mojito
Undeniably refreshing, the mojito hails from Cuba and combines sweet and citrus flavours with a big punch of mint. White rum is its alcoholic base while sugar, lime juice and soda water are added on top. The mint gives the mojito its herbaceous kick and makes it an ideal cocktail for summer parties.
Champagne cocktail
Popping a bottle of champagne is an easy way to get any party started but this cocktail elevates everyone’s favourite bubbles to a new level. Simply place a sugar cube into your champagne flute and soak it with a little bitters before pouring a shot of brandy on top. Then fill up the glass with champagne and enjoy.
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Gin and tonic
The name gin and tonic says it all and this two-ingredient mixed drink always goes down a treat. It’s light and refreshing and oh so easy to make (you can even make a G&T station for guests to prepare their own). For the tastiest results, always opt for a good-quality gin and purchase the best tonic you can get your hands on.
Classic margarita
There are myriad options when it comes to making margaritas but we think the classic version is a winner. All you need is 2 oz of tequila, 1 oz of lime juice and 1 oz of triple sec (also known as orange liqueur). You can either stir them together and serve them on the rocks or throw them in a blender with some ice to create a frozen version.
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