Making at-home cocktails is one way to properly entertain your guests. Whether it’s getting out the cocktail shaker to make a Martini or muddling up some lime wedges for a Mojito, they’ll be flocking to receive your hospitality.
But what’s good to make? What’s going to reel them in? Find out the most impressive cocktails to make a home right here…
1. Mojito
Let’s get started with this chaotic (but delicious) number. The Mojito is an undisputed crowd pleaser. Never before has somebody turned down the chance to have a Mojito made for them (probably). It’s something that will really set the tone for the night, in that ‘you’re here to have a good time’. With a muddle and a bash and a build and a churn, you’ll have a beautiful rum cocktail before your eyes, ready to impress your guests. Viva el mojito.
Ingredients: Light rum, sugar syrup, soda water, lime wedges, fresh mint leaves
Deliciousness rating: 8/10
2. Rusty Nail
Moving on, we have a real boozy one for you. If you’re looking to host a cocktail party and head to bed early, this might be the perfect choice for you! A solely alcohol-based cocktail, after a few rounds of Rusty Nails, your guests will undoubtedly be ready for bed. However, this classic cocktail is not appropriate for all types of parties. We suggest offering up the Rusty Nail for a more chilled and sophisticated evening of economy chat, rather than any reggaeton vibes. Just be careful when drinking because the Rusty Nail will hit you harder than a tetanus shot.
Ingredients: Scotch whisky, Drambuie
Deliciousness rating: 6/10
3. Gin and Tonic
You might not consider a Gin and Tonic to be a cocktail, but you’d be wrong. The Gin and Tonic is perhaps the best of the best gin cocktails to make at home. A simple and refreshing cocktail, the ‘G & T’ is another crowd pleaser. What’s best about this cocktail? You can let your imagination run wild with creativity. Want to throw some botanicals in there? No problem! Change it up with a pink gin? Go for it! Classic cocktails are a party hit, so feel free to go a little wild with the recipe.
Ingredients: Gin, tonic water
Deliciousness rating: 7/10
4. Moscow Mule
No list of the best home cocktails would be quite complete without dipping into a Russian-themed cocktail. Despite having absolutely nothing to do with Moscow or Russia, the Moscow Mule remains true to its taste because it’s a proper tasty boy. Dive into the acidity of the lime juice and be saved by a sweet, fiery ginger beer-like lifebuoy. All the while this is happening, you’re getting a few smacks from the vodka. Don’t believe the Mule experience is like this? You’ve gotta try it to believe it!
Ingredients: Vodka, fresh lime juice, ginger beer
Deliciousness rating: 8/10
5. Screwdriver
Let’s return to some simplicity. We’re talking an orange juice and vodka kind of simplicity. Yes, it’s the famous Screwdriver! Popular with Samuel L. Jackson’s character in Jackie Brown, it’s a one of those classic cocktails that will never die. No need for a cocktail shaker, bar spoon, strainer or Mexican elbow, it’s a simple pour-and-serve job. For this reason, the Screwdriver rightfully earns its place as one of the best cocktails for beginners, as well as at home.
Ingredients: Vodka, orange juice
Deliciousness rating: 6/10
6. French 75
Ok, let’s move away from simplicity now. Well, not all the way but this recipe certainly requires a little more effort than a Screwdriver! For the French 75, you’ll need four ingredients, a cocktail shaker and fine strainer. The four tricky ingredients include gin, lemon juice, sugar syrup and Champagne. Just like Chris Martin said, ‘nobody said it was gonna be easy’. Jokes aside, the French 75 is easy to make, well-balanced, refreshing and definitely one of the best cocktail recipes for the home bartender. Allez allez allez.
Ingredients: Gin, fresh lemon juice, sugar syrup, Champagne
Deliciousness rating: 7/10
Learn how to make a homemade simple syrup for cocktails. It’s as easy as making a Gin and Tonic!
7. Cuba Libre
We’re over half way through the best cocktail recipes to make at home and we return to simpler times with the Cuba Libre. Essentially a pimped up Rum and Coke with a squeeze of lime juice, the Cuba Libre easily satisfies your guests and your bartending duties. There’s no need to be running around your home bar, throwing around this and shaking up that. The Cuba Libre is one for those who like to take it easy, whilst hosting a drinks evening. Don’t live la vida loca, live la vida tranquila…
Ingredients: Light rum, fresh lime juice, Coca-Cola
Deliciousness rating: 7/10
8. Margarita
If you’re one of the very, very few people on the planet who asks the question, “what is a cocktail?”, then the Margarita is your best introduction into this flavoursome world. When we talk about classic cocktail recipes, it’s hard to miss out this beauty. The sharpness of the tequila, the bitterness of the orange liqueur and the acidity of the lime is all rounded off with a sweet hit of sugar syrup. It’s the perfect balance! What’s even better about this classic cocktail is that the recipe is highly adaptable. Lemon juice, hibiscus syrup, raspberries and strawberry liqueur can all be used to bring an edge to your Margaritas, so have fun with it!
Ingredients: Tequila, Cointreau, fresh lime juice, sugar syrup
Deliciousness rating: 9/10
9. Black Russian
At number 9, we’ve got yet another Russian-themed cocktail with no ties to the Eastern European giant. Despite this deception, a Black Russian still remains one of the best vodka cocktails to make at home. But if you’re looking for a fruity drink, then this one probably isn’t for you. The coffee-flavoured liqueur, Kahlua, is really something to sit back and chill with, rather than go wild with. Is the party winding down? It’s probably time to roll out the Black Russians!
Ingredients: Vodka, Kahlua
Deliciousness rating: 7/10
10. Seabreeze
Next up, we’ve got the list’s most fruity drink, if that’s what you’re more into? Imagine pairing vodka, cranberry juice and grapefruit together to create a nice refreshing cocktail. Well, this is exactly what you’ll get with this recipe! Wheel out a Seabreeze if the party is turning a little slow or if you’re hosting on a perfect summer evening. We can’t think of a better cocktail to adorn your guests with! Plus, as easy cocktail recipes go, this one really takes the biscuit. (We couldn’t think of a sea-related pun).
Ingredients: Vodka, cranberry juice, grapefruit juice
Deliciousness rating: 8/10
11. Martini
It’s the ‘marmite drink’ of the cocktail recipe world, people either love them or hate them. We’re talking about the Martini! If you’ve got a bunch of people who are Martini lovers, then it’s easy. Get the Martinis in, son! But a bit like with steak, you’ll need to master your Martini terminology to cater to your guests needs. You’ve got Dry, Wet, Dirty, Extra Dirty, Naked and Gibson to get to know. And that’s just the dress code!
But if you’re feeling a little more adventurous, then we’ve got two further options to consider. Take your Martini night to the next level with some Apple Martinis or even an Espresso Martini. These require a little bit more than the classic Martini, but you’ll get the same results… happy guests!
Ingredients: Gin/vodka, dry vermouth
Deliciousness rating: 6/10
12. Tequila Sunrise
We started with a latin cocktail, so we’ll end with a latin cocktail, ok? It’s for sure on the list of ‘easy cocktail recipes’ with only three ingredients, so it’s ideal for a cocktail party. However, most importantly, if you’re not one for exotic bar tools and techniques, you won’t need to worry. The Tequila Sunrise is a ‘build and sink’, making this a tool-free zone. Transport your guests to la isla bonita, for the best sunrise they’ll experience all year. Make sure you have plenty of orange juice for this one though, they’re easy to guzzle down!
Ingredients: Tequila, orange juice, grenadine
Deliciousness rating: 6/10
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